No child is born a brat, but they are prone to bratty behavior. Even my kids regress into brats periodically. For those parents who are unsure if your children are brats, here are 10 signs to look for:
- They resort to crying or yelling when they want something.
- They throw themselves on floor and won’t get up.
- They constantly throw tantrums or even hit you when you punish them.
- They ignore you when you ask a question.
- They are rude to other adults and even to other children.
- They refuse to share with other children.
- They are show-offs and are constantly trying to one-up their peers to be the center of attention.
- They always want whatever everyone else has. Once they have it, they want something new.
- They keep a messy room and never help out around the house despite your pleas for them to do so.
- They refuse to go to bed.
If your kids exhibit any or all of these behaviors, they might be brats. Don’t fret because there is hope for their bratty behavior and it starts with you.
Here are a few tips from my personal experience that will help curb brattiness:
- Firmly discipline children when they show disrespect – It is important to teach your children that disrespect will not be tolerated. They should be punished immediately and firmly when they disrespect you or other adults.
- Develop consistent routines – Children desire order in their lives and they look to their parents to establish this order. Parents must set strict schedules for bedtime, homework, etc. and stick to them.
- Teach them to be grateful and humble – Brattiness is a symptom of selfishness. When kids learn the importance of serving others, they are more likely to be thankful for the things they have and understand that the world exists beyond themselves.
- Resist the urge to indulge their every whim – As parents, we want to give our children nice things, but does your 8-year old really need an iPhone? Don’t buy them everything they want. Make them earn some things.
- Spend quality time with your children – Sometimes bratty behavior is a cry for attention. Show your children that they are important by giving them your time.
- Compliment your child when he/she does the right thing – Praise works wonders with children. Make sure the praise is sincere, though. Children know when they are being patronized.
If you apply these suggestions, your brats will become angels in no time.
Stay Strong,
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