LEARNING TO REDIRECT

It is known that many children will display negative behaviors from time to time. As well that, research has shown that boys are more active than girls and will display more negative behaviors. With that being known our next concern as parents are how do we discipline our children for their behavior. Some parents like to promote harsh punishments, explaining that even the most problematic child will straighten up if given strict punishment. Some like to say that the kid will grow up and grow out of it, explaining that the challenging child will eventually learn positive behaviors. In some way both may be true, but it is all about technique and deliverance in redirecting to correct behaviors. Redirecting help modify behaviors for both toddlers and school-aged children. It can be done by reacting in such way that the child is given consequences. Redirecting also give ways to learn to create positive attitude and behaviors instead of negative.

Rethink.

It is always best to have a Plan B just in case Plan A was not the best. Many children will not understand the first time, or the second, and maybe not the third. So as parents, it is best to have many solutions to the problem, or in this case to the behaviors. We cannot just think that one way is going to solve the issue. All children or different and they have their ways of thinking as well as what may work for them. For example, I have a friend who has a son who always ask, “what do you mean?” when getting discipline. Yes, as parents we might want our children to understand very well what we say or do but that is not always the case. So as parents, it is best to rethink the situation as well as a plan to avoid the unnecessary behaviors.

Reverse.

Having rules as guidance is helpful for children when learning to redirect behaviors. Being able to help set rules and regulations for the behaviors will help reverse the issues. Children are able to know what will happen before the behavior is done. As a parent, talking to your child will assist with behaviors. Not only are they hearing the rules verbally, but they are able to get an understanding on how you as a parent feel about their negative behaviors.
Reversing the behavior does not happen with bribing also. This only makes the behavior disappear for a short time. Bribing allows the child to believe that they should be paid to do good behavior. This is sending the wrong message and signals,

Re-Step.

This is all about putting the plan into action. Learning to re-step when a child has negative behavior will continue to help the child understand that the behavior that is being taught is what should always be done. The re-stepping process can also be done by you as a parent been a model of positive behaviors. Children at young ages learn to mimic what they see, so if they are constantly seeing positive behavior they too will soon re-step the behavior in a positive aspect.

Learning how to redirect is not always easy, so being able to talk to a counselor for assistance is a great option. It can be beneficial for you as a parent, but also helpful for children because receiving guidance from people other than parents seems to work for children. Redirecting also helps teach self-control, patience, and safety. Having support from a counselor when learning to redirect will help the process go easier for both you as a parent and the children.