Behavior Management Strategies

Behavior management or as I like to call it "behavior guidance" (because I feel it's more appropriate, especially with children), is one of the best tools you can use when raising children.  It should be used 24/7 and a way of life in child rearing.

Using behavior management strategies is a productive means of getting your child to exhibit appropriate behaviors in a number of settings.  Even though these strategies are commonly used for children who have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Autistic Disorder, many children who have no diagnosis benefit from these same strategies as well.

Behavior management is not just for children with special needs.

There are a few rules to keep in mind before implementing a behavior management plan for your child. It is very important that you make the consequence for the child’s actions immediate and meaningful. The longer you take to give the child feedback, the less impact the behavior management will have.

For example, if the child interrupts you while you are talking you would want to address the problem with a consequence right then and there even though it may not seem very convenient. You will not have very much of an effect on the child if you wait four hours to tell him that he shouldn’t interrupt you when you are talking. Chances are that the child doesn’t remember interrupting you in the first place.

When the child interrupts quickly redirect him with a sign or a quick “nope” that alerts him that he is doing something inappropriate. If the behavior continues you have to provide an immediate consequence. This can include leaving the area or activity. Even though you may not want to end the activity right then, behavior management is clear about keeping the consequences immediate.

When we think of anger management children do not pop into our minds. However, many kids today have difficulty controlling this powerful emotion. Go find out more about anger management children.

Behavior management is not just about punishment and negative consequences. It also involves praise as well. You have to make an effort to tell the child when he is doing a good job. The first rule of behavior management is to reward immediately. A rewarded behavior is most likely to be repeated.

Some argue that punishment should not be used in a behavior management plan. Bad actions should be ignored while positive actions are praised. This focuses the child on the good rather than the bad. This is wonderful in theory but remember that there are certain negative behaviors that can’t be ignored.

Having a good balance is the key to a successful behavior management plan.  Parents should not be too harsh or too easy.