Using guidance tools (1105)

When your child misbehaves, guidance tools can help you teach skills you want him to learn. Guidance tools help your child learn responsibility while strengthening their self-esteem.

Explaining limits can be a helpful tool. When your child doesn't understand what you expect, explain the reason for your limits.

When a child forgets a rule, reminding can be a helpful tool. Tell him the rule again as a positive reminder. Explain what will happen if the rule is not followed. Limit the number of reminders and stick to your limit.

Providing a hearing is another guidance tool. When you're unsure about what happened and who was responsible for a problem, ask your child to describe it. Listen without criticizing or blaming. Then determine the extent of your child's responsibility for the problem.

Affirming feelings is another guidance tool. When your child is too emotional to think clearly, describe the feelings and ideas that are evident. Be sympathetic to her feelings and ideas, rather than telling her what she thinks and feels is wrong. Affirming another person's thoughts or feelings doesn't mean you agree with him, it just means you value him as an individual.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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