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| Teach your child the importance of trying to ‘do the right thing' |
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As toddlers and preschoolers, children behave to earn parents' approval and to avoid a negative consequence. As they get older, they slowly learn good behavior for its own sake--simply because it's the right thing to do. There are many ways parents can help preschoolers develop good character and the desire to do what's right. Here are a few guidelines for seeing your preschooler on this lifelong path: * Give your child unconditional love. Children who are secure in their parents' love almost always behave better than those who are not. The reason is quite simple--these children grow to see that this is how everyone should be treated. * Be a role model. Your child is watching you all the time. If he overhears you telling lies, he will, too. If you always tell the truth, chances are, he will, too. * Correct your child for disrespect. "In our family, we use kind words." And here's the "model" concept again--use those same kind words when you talk to your child and other family members. * Cue your child to think of others. Example: Someone in the family sneezes and the tissue box is on the counter. Say to your child, "Look on the counter. Do you see something there that Katie needs?" Praise your child for following through. Reprinted with permission from the February 2010 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Peg Rosen, "How to Raise a Really Good Kid," Parents, March 2006 (Meredith Corporation, www.parents.com). |