Encouragement

How do you get your children to behave? 

I find that leaving little notes filled with words of affirmation go a long way.

Punishing your child for doing something wrong gives them the same amount of attention as praising them for doing something right.  Most parents are well versed in disciplining wrong behavior, but do you encourage them to continue their good behavior when you recognize it?  What it all boils down to is receiving attention, in any form.  I challenge you to pay attention to the good as much as the bad, focus on building them up with encouraging words every time you notice them behaving the way you want them to behave.  Don't get me wrong, punishment is necessary to correct bad behavior, so don't allow it to continue, just pay closer mind to the positive actions and be sure to let them know you noticed.   

You may be surprised at how far that takes you!