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Showing posts from July, 2025

Preventing Children's Misbehaviours: A Guide For Parents And Caregivers

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 The prevention of children's misbehaviours is a challenging task that requires patience, consistency, and effective strategies. Whether at home or in public places, children often test boundaries and push limits, leaving parents and caregivers wondering how to manage their misbehaviours. One of the most effective ways to prevent children's misbehaviours is to set clear boundaries and expectations. Children thrive on routine and predictability, and knowing what is expected of them can help them feel secure and in control. Parents and caregivers can establish clear rules and consequences, while also providing positive reinforcement for good behaviours. For example, a parent or caregiver might create a "behaviour chart" with rewards for good behaviours, such as stickers and/ or stars. According to Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory, children learn by observing and imitating their parents, caregivers, peers, and the environment. Therefore, it is imperative for p...

Inappropriate Disciplinary Strategies In Children's Development

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 Inappropriate disciplinary strategies in children's development can have a long-term and detrimental impact on their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It hinders their ability to grow into confident, capable, and successful individuals.  One of the most harmful disciplinary strategies adopted by parents and caregivers against their erring children is physical or corporal punishment, which can lead to increased aggression, anxiety, and fear in children. Research has consistently shown that physical punishment is ineffective in promoting positive behaviour and can instead model violent behaviour, teaching children that physical force is an acceptable means of resolving conflicts. Furthermore, physical punishment can damage the parent-child relationships (attachment), eroding trust and creating a sense of insecurity.  Another inappropriate disciplinary strategy is indiscriminate yelling at the children or verbal aggression, which is particularly damaging to a...

Teaching Children To Behave Well, But To Avoid People-Pleasing

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 Teaching children to behave well while avoiding the habit of people-pleasing is a character that parents and caregivers need to model for their children to emulate. In many cultures, children are taught to prioritize harmony and avoid conflicts, which can sometimes manifest as people -pleasing. However, this can lead to children sacrificing their own needs, desires, and values to gain approval from others. For example, in some African countries, filial piety is deeply ingrained, and children are expected to prioritize their parents' needs above their own. While this can foster a sense of responsibility and loyalty, it can also lead children to neglecting their own emotional and psychological well-being.  To avoid the habit of people-pleasing, parents and caregivers can teach children the importance of assertiveness, boundary settings, and self-expression. For example, in some Western cultures, children are encouraged to express their opinions and assert their needs in a respe...

Seven (7) Kinds Of Disobedience In Children

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 The habit of disobedience in children is a natural phase of development that can manifest in various forms, requiring parents and caregivers to adopt a nuanced approach to address the behaviour effectively.   The commonest form of disobedience is Defiant Disobedience. It is characterized by a deliberate refusal to obey or follow rules, regulations, and instructions, often accompanied  by anger, aggression, or argumentativeness. Children exhibiting this behaviour usually shout, throw tantrums, or engage in power struggles with authority figures. To address defiant disobedience, parents and caregivers can establish clear boundaries and consequences, while providing positive reinforcement for good behaviours. Consistent discipline and modeling respectful behaviours can also help children learn to manage their emotions and respond to authority figures appropriately.  Another form of disobedience is called Passive-Aggressive Disobedience, which involves indirect res...

Parenting Strong-willed Children

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   Parenting strong-willed children can be challenging and rewarding experience, requiring a unique approach that balances discipline with empathy and understanding. Strong-willed children, often referred to as spirited or feisty, are characterized by their independence, determination, and strong opinions. These children can be a handful, but with the right parenting strategies, they can thrive and develop into confident and self-assured individuals. In many cultures, strong-willed children are viewed as a blessing, possessing a unique spark that can be nurtured  and developed. For example, in some African cultures, strong-willed children are seen as leaders and innovators, destined to greatness. One of the key challenges of parenting strong-willed children is setting boundaries while maintaining a positive relationships. These children often test limits and push boundaries, requiring parents and caregivers to be consistent, firm, and patient. In Japan, the concept of "am...

Children's Refusal To Obey Rules And Regulations

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 When children refuse to obey rules and regulations, it can be challenging for parents and caregivers to manage the situations effectively, a concern faced by families across the world. This behaviour can be very frustrating and worrisome, but understanding the reasons behind it and implementing effective strategies can help encourage compliance and promote healthy development.  One of the major reasons children refuse to obey rules and regulations is that they are testing boundaries. Children often push limits to understand what is acceptable and what is not. This behaviour is a natural part of their development, and it is essential for parents and caregivers to set clear boundaries and consistently enforce them. By so doing, children learn what is expected of them and develop self-regulation skills.  Another reason children may refuse to obey or follow rules and regulations is that they are seeking attention from parents and authority. When children behave in a way that...

Should A Child Be An Enemy To Parent's Enemy?

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 The question of whether a child should be an enemy to his/ her parent's enemy is not easy for many people to answer. This question has been debated across cultures, regions, and countries of the world for many years. One school of thought said that children should take sides with their parents to hate and fight their enemies to a brick wall. Another school of thought said that it is irrational and vindictive for children to take sides with their parents to hate and fight their parents' enemies. They opined that children should rather stand in the middle to broker peace and reconciliation between them. In some cultures, loyalty to families is paramount and non-negotiable, and children are expected to take sides with their parents in conflicts. It does not matter if their parents and families are right or wrong. But, the whole truth is that this approach can lead to strained relationships and even long-term damages to the children's emotional well-being. On the other hand, e...