Attention and Self-respect

Children will get your attention one way or another. It’s hard for fathers to understand, but to some children, negative attention and even punishment are better than no attention at all. If children don’t get what they want, your attention, by being good, they will get your attention by being bad. So the key is, don’t make them fight for your attention.

Catch them doing something good every day. Gentle words and soft touches along with other gestures of love help children develop a sense of self respect and self control. So catch your children sharing their toys or helping their friends. Throughout the day, notice and praise them when their behavior is good; and maybe there won’t be as many bad behaviors to correct.

Praise them, too, for things other than just behavior. Admire their handiwork; compliment their smile. Above all else, fill their days with lots of hugs, lots of kisses, and lots of laughter.