Children need rules and boundaries, so that they can understand expected behaviour when starting school. Below are some tips on choices and consequences to manage children’s challenging behaviour.

• Be clear and specific about the positive and negative choice of behaviour, and the positive and negative consequences that will follow.
• Relate the consequences to the behaviour.
• Choose consequences that mean something to the child.
• Use a calm, clear voice; threats, a threatening manner, ultimatums are counterproductive.
• Only give choices if it's right for the situation.
• Choose consequences you can keep to (without “punishing” yourself).
• Give the child a few moments to reflect before asking for a decision

 

Click the links below to find out more

Rules and boundaries - more information

Managing behaviour - top tips

Bedtime sequencing activity

Shoes on the right feet tip