Tie good behavior to nice outcomes.
If your youngster is quiet when you’re on the phone, you might say, “You were so patient while I made that call. Would you like to play a game now?” Or when she goes to bed without a struggle, point out how energetic she seems the next morning.
Recognize success.
Maybe you’d like your child’s room to be neater. Tell her that if she keeps it clean for a month, you’ll help her rearrange or redecorate it. By that time, picking up will probably be a habit. And she’ll enjoy her room so much that she’ll be motivated to keep it that way.
Tip: Try not to use rewards like toys or food. You’ll train your youngster to expect something in exchange for behaving well. Plus, offering food as a reward can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Copyright 2012, Resources for Educators