It is hard work being a parent. Children are not adults and do not always listen to reason and behave in a way that is fitting in every situation. It is easy to become frustrated with a child in the grocery store, who cries and begs for sugary cereal or soda pop, when they know that you do not allow them in the home.
A lot of parents do not know how to deal with their children in situations like these and will say or do anything that they can to stop their children’s bad behavior. They will say things like, “If you stop crying…” or “If you just behave…”, “then you will get a reward.”
This is reinforcing bad leadership skills to your child and teaching them that if they misbehave, they will be rewarded for stopping that behavior. They may deliberately start misbehaving just so they can get those rewards and treats; which are often things that they weren’t really allowed in the first place, like candy, sugary cereals and soda pops.
Do not allow your child to rule the roost. Don’t reward them for bad behave, punish them. Stop them from using the internet, watching TV, talking on the phone, hanging out with friends.
Reward them when they are doing something good, helping out around the house, well at school, nice to misfits etc., however never let these rewards be banned items!