Parenting Tips

· Make eye contact before setting a limit.  Say, “look at me.”
· Make one request at a time and be specific.
· Give instructions that tell your child what to “do” rather than “don’t.”
· Give warnings about transitions or changes.


                       · Reward good behavior at least as often as you punish bad behavior.
                       · Always try to find a way to change a behavior through a reward.
                       · Have your child tell you what rewards motivate them.
                       · Use rewards that aren’t monetary or food.
                       · Try visual tools like star charts.


                                               · Give choices rather than ultimatums.
                                               · Be consistent and be able to follow through with any threat or promise you make.
                                               · Look to use naturally occurring consequences as learning tools.
                                               · Remain calm—take a time out yourself if you need to.


 Some ideas for some common problems:

 · Have special books and toys that your child can use only when you are on the phone.
       · To reduce sibling fights, have them work on not fighting to gain a shared reward.


And a final suggestion -

Seek evaluation by a therapist if your child exhibits any of these behaviors:

    Developmental delays

    Excess physical complaints

    Changes in appetite

    Aggressive behaviors

    Lack of interest in friends and activities

    Insomnia or sleepiness

    Drop in school performance

    Mood swings

    Depression or sadness

    Self-injurious behavior