1.  Lead by example
Parents are the most powerful teachers that kids have.  Especially when they are young, children want to be just like Mommie and Daddy, just like the adults.  So make sure your behavior is polite and respectful.  Shouldn’t you ask as much of yourself as you ask of your kids?

2.  Show Respect
Don’t call your kids brats, hoodlums or any other derogatory names.  This only reinforces that belief in you and makes your children feel small and worthless.  Remember that kids are adults who just haven’t grown up yet. (although there are certainly some adults who haven’t grown up yet either!)

3.  Set Guidelines
It’s easier for a child to behave when they know what is expected of them.  Tell them BEFORE dinner how you expect them to behave.  Tell them BEFORE you go in the toy store that you expect them to keep their hands to themselves. That prevents you from having to get into a disagreement while trying to stop the unacceptable behavior in progress.

4.  Reward Good Behavior
Positive Reinforcement is one of the strongest methods of ensuring future good behavior… for adults as well as kids!  Children lead the pack when it comes to the need for instant gratification, so when you ask them to put off their needs, and they do, they should be rewarded.  For example, if they didn’t run around at the store, give them extra computer time.  If they share their toys, let them stay up 5 minutes longer.

5.  Say “Thank You”
Sometimes we think we don’t need to say “Thank You” to family members.  But we do!  “Thank You” reminds a child that they had a choice in the matter and they chose to do what you asked.  “Thank You” makes us feel good about ourselves.  We did something nice, and someone appreciates us.  This is reinforcing that good behavior.

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