Praising your child

When your child does something good, let her know you have seen and you like that behaviour.  Doing this will encourage your child to act well more often. Here are some tips for praising your child:

• When you see your child doing something good, give praise straight away. Do not wait for later. 
• Give praise for a specific thing that your child has done.  Tell them what that thing was.
• Look at your child in the eyes when you praise them. 
• Name your child when you speak to them.  
• Smile at your child. 
• Give your child a hug.  It will make her feel good about herself.
• Praise your child in front of other adults.  They will know that you are proud of them and not ashamed to tell the world.

What to do when your child gets angry

Small children aged 2 to 4 cannot control themselves and say how they feel. When they want something or when they don’t know how to do something, they can get very angry. This is called a temper tantrum.  Temper tantrums can get very bad if your child is tired, hungry or thirsty. You may see crying, screaming, kicking and even falling down. This is normal and happens to all children. There are things to do to help your child have less tantrums.

• Have a routine every day – do the same things at the same time. It’s important children eat, sleep and nap at the same time each day.
• If you are taking your child with you somewhere where they will have to wait in a line, bring small toys and a drink or some food.
• Teach your child words to express what he or she feels. These words can be “hurt”, “tired” or “I want”.
• Let your child make small decision like what to wear. This will make him or her feel in control.
• Show your child something funny or point out something in the street, when he or she gets angry. 
• Do not become angry and start to shout at your child.