Why do children behave and misbehave? Both negative and positive behaviors are strengthened when rewarded. What can you do to help your child improve his or her behavior?

2. Do not accidentally reward negative behavior. Example: "Stop screaming Lisa! If you stop I'll take you to Mc Donald's." Simply giving the child your attention during a temper tantrum is rewarding negative behavior. Unless the child is hurting himself, property or others, walk away and ignore tantrums.

3. Punish some negative behavior and use mild punishment only. Example: "Patrick you may play with this toy as soon as you pick up the other toys."

The following are some examples of how parents may unintentionally cause behavior problems in their children.

1. Parents fail to reward positive behavior. When behavior is rewarded, that behavior receives a positive reinforcement. Rewarding positive behavior is the easiest and best way to produce desirable behavior.

2. Parents accidentally punish positive behavior. Clear communication must occur between you and your child. Your child needs your love as well as your discipline. When they come to you showing you something wonderful they have accomplished give them your full attention and tell them how wonderful they have done.

3. Parents accidentally reward negative behavior. When negative behavior which once was rewarded is no longer rewarded, the term is call nonreinforcement of behavior. Even showing a child any attention during negative behavior may reward that negative behavior. Only show attention to remove the child to safety when harming himself, property or others.

4. Parents fail to punish negative behavior, when mild punishment is indicated. Time-out means time-out from reinforcement, rewards and attention. Use time-out immediately after the negative behavior occurs.

Be a rational and nonaggressive model when you use punishment. Other effective methods of mild punishment are, scolding and disapproval, natural consequences and behavioral penalty.

Mild scolding and disapproval works well for young children when used sparingly. Young child want nothing more than to please their caregivers and gain approval. Make sure you use it sparingly, they will learn to tune you out if you constantly scold.

An example of natural consequences are when your child refuses to stop riding the Big Wheel in the street so you take the Big Wheel away and lock it in the garage for a few days. Telling your child when he or she can follow the rules about not riding in the street you will stop taking away the Big Wheel. Then he or she can have fun.It also helps to stress the positive they will miss out on and keeping things positive.

Behavioral penalty works well for older children. A good example is when the child is careless and breaks something. Give them jobs with money values that will pay back the broken item to you. Make sure it is a reasonable job that they are able to do safety at their age.

Consider getting professional help if your usual methods of managing your child or handling family problems are not working.