tipstoabettertoddler-small

Most of the previous tips seems to be focusing on bad behavior.  And when all I focus on is bad behavior, my child seems to give me more and more to focus on.

Is it because his self-esteem has dropped so low he thinks that is all he has to offer?

Is it because he is so desperate for my attention that he is giving me that which I pay the most attention to?

Is it because, having been so long since anyone has said or done anything nice that he has forgotten that aspect of humanity still remains?

Probably.

So on days when his behavior worsens no matter how I scold, it is time to try parenting in the other direction.

I wait, and I watch, and I give him opportunity to do something, anything right.

And when he does, I praise like crazy.

No sarcasm.  And I make sure it’s a genuine smile on my face, which means it has to be real joy emanating from my soul.  Kids can smell a fake a mile away.

And just like that, you’re on your way up to the land of Joyful Obedience.

(Notice I said “up” and “on your way”.  Because it is an uphill journey.  And while one step in the right direction is progress, we’re not even close to “there” yet.  Trust me.  I have not arrived.)