Managing Teenage behaviour- Part 2

Positive behaviour in children and teenagers means, that a child acts, speaks and responds in ways that helps with getting along with others, staying safe and developing well.

Positive behaviour can look different at different ages and stages of development, but it usually includes things like speaking kindly, cooperating, resolving conflict effectively, and following instructions. Teenagers may need some handholding in fostering this positive behaviour

Therefore, Sometimes you might need to use specific strategies to encourage positive behaviour.

Before we give some strategies, it is important to know that family values, culture and behaviour of family members, plays a very important role in the behaviour of a child. Hence as a parent, it is important for you to be regulated, before you handle your child.

It’s also important to take your child’s age and stage of development into account when you think about what you can reasonably expect from them in their behaviour.

What to expect in teenagers? While there are many physical changes taking place with your teen, there are many emotional changes taking place as well. Teenagers may  often feel strong and sometimes overwhelming emotions like shame and humiliation. They might know the words for these emotions but still have trouble recognising them when they’re upset. Also, because of brain development, pre-teens and teenagers don’t always have the skills to express and manage emotions in an adult way. That’s why teenagers still need help with understanding and managing emotions.

New thoughts, new emotions, new friends and new responsibilities can all affect how your child is feeling.

To inculcate that positive behaviour in your teen, follow the tips:

1. Accept, that a teenage brain is not fully developed and hence reacts in a manner that it does.
2. Observation is the best teacher. Every child copies the behaviour of the parent. Its  important that you be regulated as an adult.
3. Role model to your teen, on what positive behaviour looks like.
4. Expectations of how family members treat each other. which includes, polite communication skills.
5. Routines that create a sense of safety and predictability.