b"Chapter 11 These statements will do more to encourage long-term good behavior than repeated reprimands.Make sure you find something positive every day. Be generous with rewards, your love, hugs, and compliments can do wonders and are often enough reward. Soon you will find that you arecultivatingmore of the behavior you would like to see.3.Setboundariesandbeconsistentwithyourdiscipline:disciplineis needed in every home. The purpose of discipline is to help children choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control. They may test the boundaries you set for them, but they need those boundaries to grow into responsible adults.Establishing house rules helps children understand your expectations anddevelopself-control.SomerulesmayincludenoTVuntil homework is done, no hitting, name calling, or hurtful teasing.You may want to set up a system. For example, a warning, followed by consequences such asdowntimeor loss of privileges.Acommonmistakethatparentsmakeisnotenforcingthe consequences.Youcan'tpunishkidsforrespondingonedayand ignoring, it is the next. Being consistent teaches what you expect of them.4.Make time for your children: it's often difficult for parents and children to get together for a family meal, let alone have a good time together. But there's probably nothing more, the kids would like.Get up ten minutes earlier in the morning so you can eat breakfast with your child or leave the dishes in the sink and take a walk after dinner.Children who don't get the attention they want from their parents often act badly or misbehave because they are sure to be noticed that way.Manyparentsfinditrewardingtospendtimetogetherwiththeir children. Create aspecial nighteach week to be together and let your children help you decide how to pass the time.Look for other ways to connect, such as putting a note or something special in your child's lunch box.364Germain Decelles"