Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. No matter how hard we try, as parents we often feel we are in a losing battle, especially when we are facing challenging behaviours from our children. Often, we respond in ways that are way from productive and we feel like we have tried everything and are at our wits end. Sound familiar?

Children are more likely to behave the way we would like when as parents and carers, we create an environment that reduces opportunities for challenging behaviour. This means one that minimises “triggers” for challenging behaviours like tantrums, aggression, and defiance.

So, when your child is exhibiting challenging behaviours, what can you do to help as a parent? Here are our tips.

Set clear rules and boundaries

Rules that are clear, reasonable, and meaningful, help children to understand what is expected of them and provide you with simple reminders that you can give to children before situations get out of hand.

You may even like to write up a family or parent-child behaviour contract to sign and display somewhere in the house. Keep the language positive and make it a project that everyone wants to be a part of.

Communication

Behaviour is communication.

Usually, children behave in a certain way to tell us something. As they haven’t quite developed the communication skills yet to tell us what is bothering them, they show us through their behaviour. If their message is getting across and their needs are being met the behaviour will continue.

As a parent, you could try alternative, more appropriate, ways to communicate as you support them in navigating the purpose behind their behaviour eg. Drawing a picture, breathing exercises etc.

Professional advice/therapy

Even if you have never tried professional services for childhood behaviours before, it is worth considering. Especially for parents who are having struggles at home.

Professional therapists will listen to your issues, and have a clearer view of pathways, tools, and techniques you can use, and teach your child, for a more effective outcome. As they are a third party and seeing things from the outside looking in, they will create a plan that is specifically tailored to the situation without bias.

Professionals such as Tiny Terrors’ in-home Behaviour Consultants, can support you if you are losing momentum or struggling with some of the techniques learned. They are your extended network to support and guide you through these challenging behaviours.

Keep moving forward

It can sometimes take at least half as long to rectify a challenging behaviour as it has existed. As a parent or carer, you will need to exhibit patience with the process and with your child. Remember, they are still navigating their responses, behaviours and emotions, and will need to take some to undo habits.

If, however, you are concerned about the time it is taking to rectify a challenging behaviour, please talk to a professional such as Tiny Terrors who can offer in-home parenting and behaviour support services.

About Tiny Terrors

Tiny Terrors provide a team of Behaviour Consultants for in-home parenting and behaviour support services. Working with you in your own home to help manage challenging behaviours and maintain a more peaceful household. Owner, Funda Yolal is a Registered Psychologist, Ausmumpreneur award winner for Business Excellence, and is known as Sydney’s Supernanny!