No child is born a brat, but they are prone to bratty behavior. For those parents who are unsure if your child is a brat, here are 10 signs to look for:
1. They resort to crying or yelling when they want something.
2. They throw themselves on floor and won’t get up.
3. They constantly throw tantrums or even hit you when you punish them.
4. They ignore you when you ask a question.
5. They are rude to other adults and even to other children.
6. They refuse to share with other children.
7. They are show-offs and are constantly trying to one-up their peers to be the center of attention.
8. They always want whatever everyone else has. Once they have it, they want something new.
9. They keep a messy room and never help out around the house despite your pleas for them to do so.
10. They refuse to go to bed.
If your kids exhibit any or all of these behaviors, they might be brats. Don’t fret because there is hope for their bratty behavior and it starts with you.
7 Tips to Curb Bratty Behavior
Develop an attitude of gratitude
Brattiness is a symptom of selfishness and entitlement. Kids who believe that they are entitled to everything, never learn how to be grateful and appreciate the things that they have. They always want more material things or attention, and will react in a negative manner if they don’t get them. However, children who develop an attitude of gratitude at an early age, will be less like to throw tantrums. Teach your children the importance of being thankful.
Resist the urge to indulge their every whim
As parents, we want to give our children nice things, but does your 5-year old really need the latest smart phone? Don’t buy them everything they want. Make them earn some things. Most of all, learn to say “no” and mean it.
Emphasize the importance of serving others
When kids learn the importance of serving others, they will start to understand that the world exists beyond themselves. Teach them that service begins at home and encourage them to help with household chores. When they are old enough, give them opportunities to volunteer and complete service projects.
Develop consistent routines
Children desire order in their lives and they look to their parents to establish this order. Set regular schedules for bedtime, homework, etc. and stick to them.
Spend quality time with your children
Sometimes bratty behavior is a cry for attention. As parents, it’s easy to get so caught up in running the household and managing our careers, that we fail to give our children the time they deserve. Show your children that they are important by giving them the precious gift of your time.
Compliment your child when he/she does the right thing
Praise works wonders with children. Make sure the praise is sincere, though. Children know when they are being patronized.
Firmly discipline children when they show disrespect
It is important to teach your children that disrespect will not be tolerated. They should be punished immediately and firmly when they disrespect you or other adults. But don’t punish your children until you ask these 5 questions.
If you consistently apply these suggestions, you will begin to notice a change in your child’s behavior.
(For more tips, listen to this radio segment: How to Deal with Bratty Behavior and Parenting in the Social Media Age)
Stay Strong,
