Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 14 - Catch them being good

So dare I ask how yesterday went? My head was a bit clearer, so I was able to really focus. This better parenting stuff is exhausting!

I love today's challenge, as I think it's something that can really make a kid's day.

Challenge #14 - Catch them being good

Now, it's super easy to compliment your child when they do something awesome, but it's a little harder to remember to catch the smaller things - things that you might not generally notice but could really do with some positive reinforcement so that THEY KEEP DOING THEM!

That means everything from playing nicely with a sibling, responding to you after only one request - the sorts of behaviors, actions, and reactions that often times go unnoticed because they are, in fact, small. However, they are not small in the long scheme of things. 

"I love how you're playing so nicely with your sister." or "I really appreciate that you answered me the first time I called your name."

And if you want your kids to stop doing the other stuff, this can actually really work in your favor. And it's way more effective than telling them "no" or "don't do that" all the time.

There will still be plenty of times where you'll be doing that - don't get me wrong, but catching them being good is a fantastic way to get them headed in the right direction. Try it! - and tell me how it went tomorrow!

Comments

[Julie]

Maybe I can actually do this. And not feel like so much of a failure on all the other points. Heh.

[Theresa]

This works great for me....and I can even say it before they do it to encourage them to do it. Like, I say "Thank you so much for being a good listener and sitting in that chair while we wait for the doctor." ANd (sometimes) they smile and sit!! Or "thanks for sharing" and then they do!

[ABCfibi]

I think that we all need a reminder to catch our kids being good though, since we are constantly telling them what not to do. Being specific is a challenge too, not just a blanket "good job." I hope this will be an easy one for all parents.