Home Behaviour Management System
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Children are not generally naturally, well behaved and need to be taught behaviours which are acceptable and how to behave in different settings. A primary learning method used by children is imitation, so modeling the behaviours which are expected of them is very important from the earliest age.
Libraries of books have been written about teaching children how to behave but there is agreement that success in this area is very dependent upon a loving, caring relationship. The Bible offers much sound advice: Deut. 6:5-9, Eph. 6:1-2.
From the very earliest days, it is important to set the atmosphere (and standards) required within the home – ‘the classroom rules’ so to speak. These rules are usually an extension of the general behavioural standards that have already been established with the children, with a few special additions for the teaching and learning situation.
A family’s unwritten standards may look something like this:
Acceptable Behaviours
1. I/we will try to behave as Jesus would.
2. I/we will be polite and respectful at all times.
3. I/we will follow my/our parent’s instructions.
4. I/we will complete set work to the best of my/our
ability. (Quality is more important than quantity).
5. I/we will always be thoughtful of others - This home is a
“No Put Downs” zone.
6. I/we need to stop before a joke goes too far.
7. I/We want to encourage the best in each other.
It is important to discuss these acceptable behaviours with your children. Ask your child:
“Do you have any problems with any of these rules?"
"Do you have any rules you would like added?"
"Do you understand what each one means?”
“Can you tell me what it means to be polite, or to be respectful?’
It is also vitally important that parents are in agreement about acceptable behaviours for their children as well as preferred methods of discipline. Children must not be allowed to play parents off against each other by asking Mum and Dad separately the same question until they receive the answer they desire.
Asked a question, “May I spend the afternoon at so-and-so’s place?’ a good answer is: “Dad and I will talk about it and will let you know.” rather than “Go and ask your father.”
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement, in liberal amounts, works much better than punishment. Give praise as much and as often as possible for the good things children do:
“I was so pleased to see the way you helped…..with……..”or
“You seem to be really interested in the work you are doing in…”
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Behaviour Management 
