Changing diapers, serving dinner and cleaning up are actually the easy parts of being a parent, especially when it comes to teaching our kids how to behave. It’s a never ending struggle that can take years. Here are some tips that will help you raise well-behaved children.

1. Maintain your self-control – Parents who fly off the handle suddenly and enforce every rule with anger and shouting don’t teach their kids to behave better. They only teach their children that those methods are how people communicate. If you ever find yourself in a position where you’re about to lose it, take a break and step away from the situation for a few minutes.

2. Create a self-conducive lifestyle – Children need sleep. When they don’t get it, their behavior will suffer. The average toddler needs 11-13 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. About two hours of this should come during nap time. Expect your children to sleep and stick to the routines so their bodies adjust.

3. Reward with praise – Children loved to be praised. The best part about is that praise is 100% free. You don’t need to give out shiny toys or take them to exotic places. Praising also helps give your children a target to aim for. If you yell at them when they misbehave, they only know what not to do. But if you praise their good behavior, they know exactly what you expect.

4. Remain consistent – Stick to the rules you make. If you threaten with a punishment, you have to go through with it. If your kids aren’t sure of the consequences of their actions, they’re likely to make the same behavioral mistakes over and over.

5. Anticipate bad behavior – There are going to be tantrums and crying fits. These things are a part of growing up. You can help your kids get through their tough moments by anticipating the bad behavior and having solutions ready. For example, if your errands will keep you out of the house past lunch, bring snacks to keep everyone calm.

6. Follow your own rules – You can’t expect your kids to behave a certain way if you’re doing the opposite. They will always do as you do. Follow your own rules around the house. If you don’t permit them to yell at one another, you can’t yell at your spouse.

7. Let them try again – If your child misbehaves, it’s important to help them get it right. Telling them to “next time, put your toys away” won’t have much meaning. Insist they do it now under your supervision so you can follow it up with “great job for putting your toys away.”

What are your tips to raise well-behaved children?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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