7 Ways To Prevent Behavior Problems

Child and adolescent behavior problems are often a source of stress for parents, educators and teachers. Although we have not experienced them directly, we are aware that the challenging behaviors and behaviors of children and young people can be a real headache. The good news is that preventing behavior problems is possible.

Preventing behavior problems takes time and effort. However, this dedication can be a worthwhile investment that can save not only a lot of time in the long run, but also lead to a much happier and mentally healthy family life.

Keys to preventing behavior problems

Children and young people can have behavior problems for a variety of reasons. Trying to understand what that child is looking for or what motivates this behavior is an important step in preventing behavior problems.

It is also important to analyze under what circumstances behavior problems occur, in order to study to what extent it is possible to act on what reinforces them. In any case, although the needs of each child are different, there are some measures that, in general, can help prevent behavior problems.

Develop a healthy relationship

Having a healthy relationship with the child or adolescent makes them more likely to be motivated to behave well. Children and youth are more likely to follow the rules and behave if they feel loved and respected.

This healthy relationship necessarily include that the adult provide a lot of positive attention to the child, several times a day. This includes talking to him about all kinds of things (not just serious things), listening to him when he needs to talk about things, doing fun things, and inviting him to be a part of things. The stronger the relationship with the child, the more motivated they will be to listen and follow rules.

Rules and consequences

The best thing is that the rules are not many and that they are clear and justified. It is not only about behaving well, but also about creating a value system that gives children guidelines that serve as a reference, that give them confidence. On the other hand, children must be clear about what is expected of them with these rules.

In addition, the consequences will be established and explained in advance. Regarding this, it is important to have and make clear that the consequences are not revenge or something that is ‘paid’ in exchange for misbehaving. They will have other purposes, such as stimulating reflection or repairing the damage caused.

Teach appropriate behaviors

Sometimes what we think of as bad behavior occurs because children don’t know what to do in certain circumstances. That is why it is important to analyze what is happening. Is the child nervous? Not sure how to react to a stressful situation? Is the situation overwhelming you?

Once the problem is located, it is important to teach the child to understand and manage his emotions. It is also important to teach him alternative ways of behaving, socially appropriate ways to express himself. On the other hand, let’s remember that  when children understand their feelings, they are more likely to behave well.

Provide structure and schedule

Many children who show bad behavior improve when they have a clear and orderly routine, appropriate to their needs and possibilities. In it there will be study time, rest time, time to play sports, enough time for meals and free time, as well as sleep schedules that allow you to get enough rest.

When children integrate a clear routine in their day to day, they have spaces where they can take initiative and enjoy the company of adults who trust them, it is easier for them to have good behavior.

Be positive and acknowledge the good things

When a child’s behavior is difficult, the things he does well can be overlooked. However, we must pay attention to it, reinforcing what we like. It will be a way to educate him, but also to give him references and reinforce his self-esteem.

When something is well done, it must be recognized and rewarded. It is not about giving material rewards. A smile, a hug, a kiss and / or a verbal acknowledgment will positively reinforce this behavior and give the child the clues as to what is well done.

Ignore negative behaviors

This technique is not valid for all cases of bad behavior, but it is valid for many; especially for those who are based on getting attention. It consists of ignoring the behavior that you want to eliminate.

When reacting to negative behavior, many times what is achieved is to reinforce it, since what the child wants is to attract attention. By ignoring it, the child ends up getting tired.

The problem is, while it works, the behavior can get worse. That is why it is important to remain firm. In any case, it must be applied with care and complement this strategy with subsequent measures (Ex: teaching alternative behaviors)

Limit the use of mobile phones and video games

The abuse of mobile technology and video games can generate aggressive behaviors in young people, isolate them from their environment and promote undesirable behaviors, in addition to general addictive behaviors.

This is a very sensitive subject that should not be left to chance and that parents and educators need to take very seriously. Teaching children and young people to use these technologies responsibly should be part of education to prevent not only behavioral problems, but many others.

The importance of stress management

Many children’s behavior problems are due to stressful situations. Tiredness, over-stimulation, excess of tasks and responsibilities, lack of exercise and / or lack of play time are some of the reasons that make children experience stress.

The stress observed in the environment, especially in parents and teachers, also makes children feel more stressed. In reality, many behavior problems would be avoided if children grew up in quiet environments, surrounded by adults who knew how to control their impulses and manage their emotions.