Some days it feels like nothing is working. You say one thing and your child does the opposite. It feels frustrating. I promise there’s an easier way than stickers and reward charts.
Here’s a strategy that you can implement today that will help improve your child’s behavior. It only takes 10 minutes to implement!

The strategy

Spending quality time with your child is the key to improving behavior. In just 10 minutes a day (or more) you can make a great impact on your child and their behavior.

Play is the key way in which children learn and process things in their world according to research. Quality play with your child is a simple solution to poor behavior.

How to use the strategy

You don’t need to set up a bunch of 10 step activities or spend money on new toys. You just need to meet your child where they are at. Play can be simple. And it should be simple.

Decide on a time of day that you can play for 10 minutes in your schedule.

If you are coming home from work, need to cook dinner, and clean up the house- that might not be the best time to add play into your schedule. However, after dinner might be a better time. Do what works for you.

Follow their lead

Let your child lead the play. A key part to making this strategy work is to let your child lead. If they want to play blocks then let them and play with them. Of course set appropriate boundaries for their safety as needed.

Make it special

Making playtime special can help create positive routines for your child and you. You can come up with a name for your playtime. That way your child knows this play is different than other forms of play with you.

It’s also important to put distractions away. Leave your phone in a different room. Let others in your household know that you have special time with your child as well. When you give your child your complete attention you will see the incredible benefits.

Have fun

Let yourself have fun. Try to remember what it felt like to play as a child. Be silly, relax, and simply have fun for a few minutes. Your child and your body will thank you. 

You can do this and you will see improvements, I promise! 

Rooting for you!

Sarah