Learning Healthy Behavior Management

Healthy behavior management is a tough concept for children to apply - especially when it comes to children with learning disabilities. However, as a parent, it’s important to reinforce correct behavior and help your child recognize bad behavior so that they can learn to make the best choices going forward.

Positive reinforcement often goes farther than punishment. Verbally acknowledge your child’s efforts and good behavior by saying you are proud of them and their choices. You can also acknowledge them physically with a simple smile and hug. Providing your child with positive feedback reinforces good behavior, emphasizing that this is healthy and appropriate conduct.

It’s also important to teach your child how to deal with setbacks without becoming discouraged or overwhelmed. When children experience these emotions, they don’t know how to express and regulate them, so it’s crucial to approach your child’s feelings with empathy. Be understanding when they get frustrated because of homework or sad because of a classmate’s remark. Tell them you understand and that it’s common to feel the way they do. Enforcing that these emotions are typical will calm them and demonstrate how to appropriately manage negative emotions.

Finally, take care of yourself so that you are able to model good behavior for your child. The “do as I say, not as I do” adage rarely works with children, as they tend to follow the example that is set for them. Be aware of your own emotions, take breaks when you feel frustrated, and get enough exercise to burn off your anxiety - that way, you will also be able to make good, calm decisions about your behavior.

Using these simple strategies help teach your child healthy behavior management. Slowly implement these steps into your family’s life, and learn how your child best responds to different types of reinforcement and encouragement. With your help, over time, your child will learn what behaviors are appropriate and healthy. Every child will learn at a different pace, but providing them with the proper tools, knowledge, and support is a step in the right direction for healthy behavior management.