7 Positive Parenting Strategies That Can Be Implemented In Children With Behavior Problems

Illustration (Gustavo Fring/Pexels)

JAKARTA - When your child experiences behavior problems, you as a parent may be tempted to threaten with harsh punishment so that "they obey."

Remember, this strategy can backfire, cause more negative behavior and create emotional distance when you and your child need closeness and understanding. When children act, they actually often experience difficulties, not try to make it difficult for you and need parental support.

Here are seven positive parenting strategies that can be considered when children need help to fix behavior problems. This information is VOI quoted from the Psych Central page, Monday, February 3.

Rules and limitations tend to give children a sense of healthy parental structure and authority, instead of making them feel restricted. The more consistent you apply boundaries and consequences, the more likely your child will obey the rules you have set. Providing a structure like this can also help your child learn better and improve his academic achievements.

Shouting at your child when you are annoyed with his behavior can increase the chances of your child experiencing behavioral problems or symptoms of depression as a teenager, according to a 2014 study. If you feel screaming is the main way to discipline your child, try to stay away from the situation when you feel annoyed. Once calm, you can talk to your child. This helps overcome their feelings and also your own feelings. Then, you can try to work with your child directly to resolve the conflict without raising your voice.

When acknowledging and validating children's feelings, you show them that all feelings, both positive and negative, are natural. And that you will support them through whatever they feel. In turn, this support can help children develop strong social-emotional skills and help them relate to others.

Try to focus on praising your child's positive behavior rather than criticizing or punishing them for their mistakes or bad behavior. Children often seek validation from your attention and giving praise is a form of validation. Praises good behavior for encouraging children to repeat these positive behaviors to get attention and validation.

If you constantly criticize your child or punish them, they may still seek attention by repeating behaviors you don't like. Praise, rather than punishing, it can also improve the relationship between parents and children. One 2017 study suggested that parents should try to praise children four times more often than correcting them to fix behavioral problems.

It is important to provide at least 10 minutes every day to play with the child without interruptions, such as screens or other side conversations. Try doing activities you both like, such as making handicrafts or exercising.

Children long for and seek positive attention that is not divided between parents. And this is a way to make sure they get the best of you. Spending quality time focused on children can also help them in social and academic matters.

According to a 2014 study, it shows affection and provides comfort to children. Often makes them want to spend more time with you, which can improve the quality of parental relationships.

Data from a 2014 study on internet use by teens shows. That children with supportive parents rely less on the internet and are more likely to use it for school than recreational activities.

In particular, children tend not to use the internet when their parents discuss media content and encourage critical thinking about the material they find online.

As a parent, you want to be the best major source for your child. If your child comes to you with a problem or question, whether academic, social, or emotional. Try working with them personally to help solve it, and offer attention and affection for what they are going through.