As parents, navigating tricky behaviors can be challenging. But with a positive approach built on a foundation of curiosity and intention, we can help our little ones learn, grow, and thrive.
Below are seventeen quotes to help you decode and coach kids through behaviors.
Quote 1: When we don’t understand a behavior, we tend to assume a child is doing it on purpose. – @raisinghumankind
Quote 2: There’s usually an “inside” story to every “outside” behavior. Though we may not be able to know that “inside story,” there’s generally some inner reason for what children do. – Fred Rogers
Quote 3: One of the most important tools for parents is the power of observation. Often, we act before considering the underlying meaning of kids’ behaviors, focusing on managing or correcting it instead of reflecting on what it means for the child. – Inspired by @monadelahooke
Quote 4: Beneath misbehavior often lies a struggling child who is aware that they are not meeting expectations but unaware or unequipped on how to do so. – Inspired by Sarah Boyd
Quote 5: Challenging behavior occurs when the demands placed on a child outstrip the skills they have to respond adaptively to those demands. – Dr. Ross Greene
Quote 6: Children do not enter this world with bad intentions. They do not come to wear us out, test our patience, or push us over the edge. They come to us with a need for love, connection, and belonging. – Rebecca Eanes
Quote 7: Every child wants to succeed. Every child wants to have a good relationship with others. Every child wants to have a sense of belonging and significance. When we remember this, we will give misbehaving children the benefit of the doubt. Instead of assuming they want to be difficult, we will assume they want positive results and are simply confused about how to achieve them. – Jane Nelsen
Quote 8: Too often, we forget that discipline really means to teach, not to punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioral consequences. – Daniel J. Siegel
Quote 9: Repeatedly telling a child what they’re doing wrong won’t help them learn what to do differently. – @parenting_pathfinders
Quote 10: Before telling a child to stop doing something, imagine them asking you, “What should I do instead?” Then, skip telling them to “stop” and tell them this. – @parenting_pathfinders
Quote 11: Affirmation is powerful! When you encourage kids with their small successes, they are usually eager to do more. – @connectedfams
Quote 12: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. Often, we get so focused on how to respond when kids cross boundaries that we forget to ensure our boundaries are clear to begin with. – @helpingfamiliesthrive
Quote 13: Punishing a child forces them to focus on how their behavior affects them. Communicating with a child helps them to focus on how their behavior affects others. To parent effectively, focus on communication instead of retribution. – Inspired by L.R. Knost
Quote 14: If controlling another human being is the goal, then force is necessary. Fear, intimidation, threats, power-plays, physical pain—those are the means of control. But, if growing healthy humans is the goal, then building trust, relationships, encouraging, guiding, leading, teaching, and communicating are the tools for success. – Inspired by L.R. Knost
Quote 15: You won’t be able to always control your child. But with a relationship with trust and connection, you will be able to influence them for years beyond childhood. Focus on connection & influence instead of power & control. – Dr. David Erickson
Quote 16: Never miss an opportunity to make a kid feel better about themselves. When they feel good, their whole demeanor changes. They learn better, behave better, and act better toward others. – Christine Derengowski
Quote 17: When children perceive that they belong and that they are capable, they feel encouraged and behave in socially acceptable ways. – Jane Nelson
Need support?
We’re here to help! With everything from therapy to in-home caregiver support and even therapeutic mentoring, we provide a wide range of behavioral health services tailored to each child’s unique needs—designed to empower families in treatment.
Call 406-245-6539 or contact us online to learn more about getting involved.
Want more?
Check out the rest of our blog and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Youth Dynamics of Montana, Instagram @youthdynamicsmt, and Facebook at Youth Dynamics of Montana & People of Youth Dynamics.
