Its a big question on many parents lips, do I reward bad behaviour, its hard to see it sometimes and not until someone like Jo Super Nanny points it out do we actually see it. But lets be realistic we dont all have a Jo Super Nanny who can pop over for a cup of tea and an assessement.

So how do we not reward bad behaviour?

There are some basic rules and they are hard to adhere to especially if your child is pushing your boundaries, but remember.

First breath and take a step back.......

1. You are the adult - you know more than your child and you know their bad behaviour is unacceptable.
2. Dont engage in an arguement - as this is giving them attention (negative attention)
3. Tell them in simple terms - this behaviour is not acceptable.
4. Do not give into any demands - this will simply show they can get away with what they want.
5. Ignore the bad behaviour - walking away from them and ignoring any tantrums is the best thing to do.
6. Tell them when they have calmed down and stopped behaving as they are, then you will talk to them. - This will allow them to think about bad behaviour.
7. Never negotiate - Do not tell them if they do this they can have a biscuit - again this is negative attention.

The key part is being able not to fuel bad behviour further, do not engage and give into demands. Its a battle of wills but sometimes we give in for an easy life and before we know it we have just rewarded bad behaviour.

Kids are very clever they know if this gets results they will do it again. Rewarding good behaviour is far easier but we just need to remember to do it.  So whatever it is, brushing their teeth, eating their dinner, doing homework make sure they are rewarded verbally with a 'well done'. And give them a cuddle to show them, you love them.

There are lots of books on the market to help you, why not visit amazon online or take a look at 'how to get the best from your child'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Supernanny-How-Best-Your-Children/dp/0340897767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245335150&sr=8-1