For moms & dads

It's hard to raise a kid!
When your child acts bad, you get angry.  Sometimes it's tough not to  spank.  Next time, try these things instead:
bulletStop.  Cool off before you do anything.
bulletWhen  you're not mad, ask yourself:
bulletWhat's the matter with my child?
bulletIs she/he tired, sick, or worried about something?
bulletCan she/he do what I want?
bulletDid I do something?
bulletAm I still mad?
bulletWatch what you say.  Mean words hurt a lot.
bulletTeach your child how to do what's right.
bulletDon't show him/her that hitting is okay.
bulletHelp him/her feel good about himself/herself.  Use praise
bulletBe patient.  It takes a while for kids to catch on because they're so little.
bulletLearn about children and how they grow.  Talk to other moms and dads or join a parent group.
bulletTake some time for yourself!  You'll feel better, and wind up being a better mom or dad to your kid.

Why do kids get in trouble?
Because 1-3 year olds:
bulletWant to do it all by themselves
bulletHate being away from mom and dad
bulletGet mad quickly
bulletNeed to keep busy all the time
bulletWant to be good but don't know how

What you can do:

bulletSay, "Let's do this instead," and show your child how.  A child learns by watching and helping.
bulletDon't say "no" all the time or your child won't listen.  Say "NO" when they could hurt themselves or someone else.
bulletHelp them tell you why they are upset.  Use words; talk about feelings.
bulletLet your child know you mean what you say.  Kids need to be told over and over.
bulletSpend as much time as you can with your child.

 

Because 3 year olds:

bulletWant to know "why," and enjoy talking
bulletLike to make believe
bulletLearn by doing, try to please

 

Because 4 year olds:

bulletWant to do it all by themselves
bulletLike to be the boss
bulletFight back when angry or upset
bulletKnow what they want to do and find it hard to stop or be taken away

 

Because 5 year olds:

bulletDo things for themselves
bulletKnow how to tell you what they want to do
bulletStill find it hard to remember what to do every time

 

What you can do:

bulletSpend lots of time with your child
bulletPlan what you're going to do together
bulletKeep it simple.  Remember how hard it is to follow too many rules.
bulletListen to what your child is saying.  He/she might be afraid to feel like he's being pushed.
bulletTalk about being sad, angry, scared.
bulletTell hem when he/she pleases you - that'll make him/her feel great!
bulletBe nice to your child.  If she/he thinks she's/he's bad, she may act bad just to prove it.

Teach your child what's right.  Remember: don't show him/her that hitting is okay.  Everybody has bad days, even your kid!  It's all part of growing up.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care.  Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.