Children need attention just like they need food, water and sleep.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Feed them by spending 5-15 minutes every day giving each child your undivided attention (no TV, phone or other distractions). Just one-on-one fun!
Take care of yourself.
Being healthy (both mentally and physically) makes parents and providers more effective. Give yourself permission to do things for yourself; take a bath, see a movie, exercise, go on a date with your partner, and spend time with friends.
Keep a clear head when dealing with your kids.
Don’t react out of anger; take a “parent time-out” walk away, minimize your stress, avoid drugs and alcohol. Don’t use chemicals to cope. Don’t spank – it just teaches kids to hit.
Children need you to make the big world a little bit smaller.
Set clear and consistent limits with children, follow through, teach them the rules, and show them what you want by example.
Turn off the TV and video games.
Allow children to develop their own creativity – play with boxes, make a fort, and explore the real world play outside! Research recommends no TV for kids until they are 3 years old! Studies also show that kids who watch TV have more aggressive behavior and lower reading skills.
Be aware of what your kids are eating and when.
Food can be an important factor in a child’s behavior. Avoid sugary and highly process foods with little nutritional value. Know when kids get hungry – feeding them on their schedule can make a world of difference!
Read parenting books & magazines, talk to other parents.
Parenting is a difficult and very important job but kids don’t come with instructions; seek out information & share with others.
This information was compiled by the Early Childhood Behavior Assistance Committee, a collaborative group of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />WashingtonCounty agencies concerned about child behavior issues. ECBA is a program of HSI (Human Services, Inc.)-a private non-profit corporation.
For more information about ECBA services provided by Human Services, Inc. (HSI) call 651-777-5222 or go online to www.hsicares.org.
