 |
| Add caption |
Picking noses. Biting nails. Twirling hair. Bad habits in children can be downright frustrating for parents. But what’s the right course of action? Here are a few tips to help you decode your child’s behavior and get him or her on the right track!
- Figure out what’s behind the behavior - Lots of kids (and adults!) bite their nails or twirl their hair because they are bored are stressed. If this is true for your child, find a positive outlet for the stress or an activity to keep her hands occupied, such as:
- Stress balls
- For girls, get a manicure- having freshly polished nails may make her less likely to mess them up!
- Silly putty
- A note pad and colored pencils
- A few pretty fashion rings
- Remember: kids are still learning – and a booger in your nose is annoying! Even though, as adults, we instinctively reach for a tissue, young children don’t have the mental toolbox to remember even simple alternatives to nose picking like grabbing a tissue.
- Give a gentle reminder. Every time. Even though it’s frustrating to say it 934390589308 times, remind yourself that your child is not picking his nose to spite you.
- Consider purchasing a travel pack of tissues for your child to keep in his pocket (or her purse!).
- Let your child make real choices - Sometimes bad habits reflect your child wanting to be in control in other areas of his life.
- Letting your child make real choices whenever possible will help him feel in control and reduce stress and frustration.
- Let your child have a say in choices such as:
- What to have for meals
- What to wear each day
- Which flavor of toothpaste to use (keep one or two on hand)
- Whether to go to bed at 7:30 or 7:40 ß see this simple way to let your child make a real choice?!
- If you are concerned, seek help
- If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the UTD Center for Children and Families offers free referrals that will connect you with the right resources for your child. Call 972-883-4827
- The American Psychological Association offers this handy online search tool to locate a provider in your area
0 comments:
Post a Comment