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When Your Child Misbehaves

Every child misbehaves from time to time.

When your child misbehaves, it's your job as a parent to

respond to your child and to

teach your child appropriate behavior.

 

You can do this by keeping these guidelines in mind

set clear rules

be consistent

use enforceable statements about what you will do

address the child's need for attention

use "time outs"

     remove privileges

 

Why Physical Punishment is NOT a Good Idea

Spanking or hitting may stop a child from misbehaving for awhile, but it doesn't teach the child about positive behavior. Instead, it teaches the child that it's OK to use violence to solve problems. It may also be considered abuse when it leads to injury.

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Anger Management for Children

Teach children the following steps for anger management:

 

1. STOP and calm down

2. THINK about the consequences

3. TALK to someone about the situation

4. GO to another activity - do something fun!

If your child continues with angry outbursts, request information about Anger Management at the school. Children can work together with other children to learn the skills for managing their own anger cycles and aggressive behavior.

 

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Children Resolving Their Conflicts

Students are learning about KELSO'S CHOICES!

Students are to determine if the conflict is a "big problem", or a "small problem".        

A big problem requires adult help immediately and is usually dangerous or illegal in nature.
           

 A small problem is usually annoying or bothersome and 

may be resolved by trying at least 2 options on the Kelso's Choices wheel.

1. Go to Another Game

2. Make a Deal

3. Share and Take Turns

4. Ignore

5. Walk Away

6. Apologize

7. Talk it Out

8.

9. Wait and Cool Off
                       

If the child has tried at least 2 options on the wheel and the problem still persist,

adult help should be sought.

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Your Child's Emotional Health
The emotionally healthy child ...
is happy most of the time
likes to learn, wants to grow, and makes friends
The emotionally unhealthy child ...
is unhappy most of the time
exhibits all or any of the following symptoms
bedwetting
temper tantrums
poor eating habits
slow development
no friends, withdrawn
learning problems
sleep problems
fighting
fear
Encouraging Good Emotional Health
know & understand your child's friends
 take a break away from your child
understand your child's needs
share your own experiences
encourage independence
share family problems
help your child learn
give guidance
give discipline

 

If you suspect your child has an emotional problem contact

the Mental Health Services

the School Counselor

the Special Education Teacher

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Handling Temper Tantrums
stay calm
don't give in to demands
in public, take the child from the scene
ignore the tantrum if the child is NOT harming himself
NEVER hit or spank your child as it may make them angrier
hold your child and reassure them of your love
don't overwhelm or tempt your child
divert your child's attention
offer an alternative
set clear limits

Some temper tantrums are a sign that the child or parent needs help from an outside source. Seek help for you or your child when the temper tantrums
continue and nothing you do seems to work.

 

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Links to Parenting Information
Arlington School District is not responsible for, and does not necessarily endorse, information contained in these links.
The National Parenting Center
The Parents Place
Values Parenting
Parent Soup
ParenthoodWeb
Parent Brochures
A Parent's Guide to the Internet
Parenting Adolescents and Children
Together We're Better Family Calendars
 Kid Source Online: Education & Healthcare Information
When Retention is Recommended, What Should Parents Do?

 

Last Updated:  07.23.2008
Back To:  Honkernet.net