How to Stop Bad Behaviors Learned at Preschool
- 1). Stay calm. It's easy to become upset when your child comes home from preschool saying a profane word or throwing a tantrum that is out of character. Your child probably saw a peer at the preschool use this behavior and liked the attention he saw his peer receive. The behavior is likely transient, and if you deal with it calmly, your child will learn that the new behavior is ineffective and it will stop.
- 2). State the rules clearly and calmly. A preschool child may not know he has broken a rule. If your child comes home from the playground saying a profane word, for example, let your child know that "bad words are bad manners," and then distract him with another activity, such as playing together.
- 3). Use a time-out. If the unwanted behavior persists, it's likely an attention-getting device. Remove your child from the situation and have him sit in a corner to calm down. According to Dr. Sharon Tisza of the University of Hawaii, the rule for time-out is one minute for every year of age so a five-year-old, for example, would get no more than five minutes in time-out.
- 4). Respond by giving a consequence. Respond to an escalated situation by taking away a favorite toy, limiting television time or taking away a privilege. Explain in a very clear, unemotional manner that broken rules have consequences, and act swiftly.
- 5). Praise your child. Respond immediately and positively when you catch your child returning to his former, positive behaviors. Smile, hug him and let him know how happy you are.
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