Managing the behaviour of older children can be more of a challenge than when they were younger.
Older children tend to have more attitude for a start and may sometimes answer back.
My tips for behaviour management ( of younger kids) here can be adapted to be more suited to older children.
My tips for older children are to be assertive when asking/telling what to do, ( or not to do) try to stay calm and pick your battles; otherwise you will clash with older children over almost everything. Set clear boundaries so everyone knows what is expected of them.
When our older children misbehaved they were punished by loosing privileges: missing pocket money here, or by having something taken away( computer console or bike) and often they were grounded – so they were not allowed to go out and see friends.
One the other hand, when they deserved it we gave them the praise they had earned.
Rewards for good behaviour in older children can be simple verbal praise; a pat on the back goes a long way, Alternatively spend some time with them, playing a board or video game together, go on a day out of their choice, a walk or cycle ride.
When dealing with teenagers remember what you put your parents through when you were at that award age!
Positive parenting here
Please share any of your own tips for managing behaviour of older children with me.
As always comments ( which I love to read) and questions are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
It’s definitely amazing what the power of praise can do! #ParentPower
A great reminder that praise is powerful and that cheering our kids on for the many positive things they do can be simple.
Glad to be of assistance, Jed, thanks for stopping by
Very useful information, thank you. I think positivity and praise can be so powerful, so always try to keep that in mind. #KCACOLS
Totally agree with you, Christy, thanks for sharing
Taking the time to listen to them, can make all the difference too. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
Absolutely, thanks for sharing your thoughts
Great tips! I am a strong believer in positive praise and I do try to keep my cool xx #kcacols
Keeping your cool is easier said than done sometimes isn’t it, Dana?
I’ll be needing these tips now that my eldest is 10 so hormones and teenage angst are on their way! Thanks for linking up with #parentpower
I hope they work for you, Laura
Thanks for the tips i’m sure I will need them. Its great to always remember how important praise is. #KCACOLS
Glad to help, Jade, yes praise does go a long way, thanks for stopping by
I agree. I’ve been teaching in secondary schools for 20 years. I start by saying their name first and then telling them what I want them to do, then add a thank you on the end. I doesn’t work if you phrase it as a question because their default setting is to say ‘No’ hahaha
#ParentPower
Pleased to hear that you agree with my thinking, thanks for stopping by