Want Better Behavior?

Try Brainstorming with your Teen or Tween

Jan 11, 2007 Barbara Gibson

Most teens and tweens occasionally experience a lapse in judgement. Why not turn those lapses, mistakes and poor choices into brainstorming sessions for better behavior?

You've probably heard that mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn but it can be difficult to remember that when your child is making the mistakes. Try and stay calm. Veering off the road of responsible behavior sometimes only means that it's time to take a look at the map.

Think of your last road trip. If you got off course you probably pulled to the side, got out your map, tried to figure out where you went wrong and how you could get back on the right path.

We can do the same thing with our children when they get off track or take a wrong turn.

When you're both ready, help your teen or younger child:

• think about how they might have handled the problem situation differently
• explore what led them to make the poor choice
• practice what they will say or do when faced with a similar situation
• ask for support with challenges, such as managing peer pressure
• review the consequences of the problem behavior
• uncover any lessons the experience offered
• clarify the goals and values that support their positive behavior
• Understand that mistakes can be wonderful opportunities to learn.

The copyright of the article Want Better Behavior? in Parenting Methods is owned by Barbara Gibson. Permission to republish Want Better Behavior? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.