Habits, whether good or bad, start early, and that’s exactly why it is extremely important to correct bad habits in children. The habits that children pick up at their tender age influence their personality and life in more ways than one. If you notice your little one engaging in a bad habit, don’t ignore it. Instead, check out these 5 ways to help correct those bad habits in children.
5 Ways to Help Correct Bad Habits in Children
1. Praise & Reward
Praising and rewarding your kid when he engages in a good habits and consciously avoids engaging in a bad habit can work wonders. It is more of a positive feedback mechanism that always does the trick, and can also strengthen the bond between you both. Letting your kid know that his good behaviour is appreciated will encourage him to be on his best behaviour at all times, and gradually, it will become a part of his personality.
2. Educate
Possibly the only way your kid can actually avoid engaging in bad habits and engage in more good habits on his own is when you educate him about the difference between them both. Make it a point to sit down with him and talk about how his behaviour influences those around him, and how he can too, come across as a beautiful person thanks to his good habits.
3.Take Things One at a Time
Don’t overwhelm your kid by pointing out several of his mistakes or bad habits together. Instead, take things one at a time and work your way up from there. Do not rush and do not lose your temper. One of the golden rules of effective parenting is to never lose your calm and be incredibly patient with your little one.
4.Identify the Cause
Kids often practise unwanted behavioural patterns due to certain triggers. They may have picked up something from a particular friend or if they’re stressed about something. Talk to your kid and try to identify the root cause of his bad habit. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can try to find a way around it and help your kid engage himself in alternative, more positive outlets.
5.Set the Rules
Setting the rules is an absolute must, but the key to doing it right is to do it in a firm yet gentle way. Let your kid know the consequences of his inappropriate behaviour and bad habit, and let him know the reason why. Encourage and motivate him to be at his best, and highlight his strong points often when you’re setting the rules to do the trick!
