Model What You Want

Everyday you teach - sometimes in words but, more often in your behavior. For example, when kids see you read a book, they learn that you value literacy. Likewise, when they see your patience with a painfully slow sales clerk, they learn tolerance.

Nearly 80% of what children learn is from what they see acted out before their eyes - they're visual learners!
Want generous kids? Give help/money to people.
Want your kids to respect the teacher? Show respect him/her.
Want your kids to listen to you? Listen to them.

In your daily discipline remember, actions really do "speak" louder than words.

My friend bought a copy of The Birth to Five Book for her niece who had her first baby. A mom read one of my online articles and ordered a copy. I signed a gave one to a couple having their first baby. Do you need a long-lasting Baby Shower gift or want empowerment on raising your toddler or preschooler? Get The Birth to Five Book, available on Amazon http://is.gd/jaTZ or order signed copies from me. To get a signed book, mail $12* (incl S&H) to me at: P.O. Box 1302 | Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Hurry, this offer ends on January 30, 2012.

©Copyright, 2011 Brenda Nixon.
*U.S. orders only. Sorry, I can't ship international.

Is Praise Good Discipline?

"I read in a few different places that you should praise for the good things a child does even if it's the little things. I guess the overall idea is that if a child doesn't get a lot of attention he will act out or be naughty to get attention."

This parent's concern came to my office recently. First, I prefer the word "compliment" or "acknowledge" when commenting on a child's good behavior. It is appropriate to recognize and compliment a child for cooperation, etc. Children repeat the behaviors that bring them attention. So to successfully guide a child's behavior, point out what's right and you'll see more of it.

However, some people overdue a good thing! You can over-compliment a child to the nth degree where he becomes what I call a "compliment junky." He's so hooked on what you say that he needs outward affirmation to behave.

In your daily discipline, frequently (not always) acknowledge what your child is doing right. This is what psychologists call "random reward" and it's very effective.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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