| Statistics indicate that a child hears nine negative | | | | one on separate sheets of paper. |
| words for every positive word. PC your child. Praise | | | | Establish a target date for each goal. "Setting dates |
| and correct your child. Here's an example, "Wow! | | | | for accomplishment creates a sense of urgency and |
| Kailey, you look beautiful today. But if you don't put | | | | should increase your child's motivation," clarifies |
| down that hairbrush, you'll miss the bus." It's easy for | | | | Rodden-Nord. "Have your child write what needs to |
| parents to fall into a pattern of nagging or getting | | | | be done to accomplish the goal and list any obstacles |
| caught up in the moment and make a quick | | | | that may arise along the way. If your child identifies |
| correction to their child, however, praising your child | | | | what challenges that can be expected, the child can |
| and being positive will help your child's self-esteem | | | | be more efficient in achieving the goal by the |
| flourish. | | | | completion date. Post the goal sheets in a prominent |
| Police officers have an uncanny ability to stay calm, | | | | location for all of the family to see, like on the |
| despite having to manage stressful situations. | | | | bedroom door or the refrigerator. Then, as your child |
| Officers stopping speeding motorists don't scream, | | | | achieves each goal, have him place a mark or gold |
| "What were you thinking? How many times do I | | | | star by the goal as a reward." |
| have to tell you that this is not okay?" It's more like | | | | Have your child visualize accomplishing their goals. |
| this, "License and registration please. Do you realize | | | | Whether they're scoring the winning soccer goal, |
| you were doing 75 in a 55 speed zone? Here are | | | | making a perfect pass or achieving an 'A' on the next |
| your license and registration and a summons for you | | | | exam at school. Visualization can be done as they fall |
| to appear in court. Have a nice day!" The officer | | | | asleep at night, prior to taking the soccer field or the |
| remains unflappable, yet the message is clear that | | | | moment before they begin their test. All your child |
| there are consequences to pay for breaking the law. | | | | needs is a great imagination. Turn off the TV and |
| Next time your child breaks a rule, try to remain calm. | | | | turn on your child's TV in their mind. Have your child |
| Don't get caught in the moment and lose your cool. | | | | picture success. Each visualized success should |
| Be positive, make the correction and give an | | | | incorporate their five senses to make the event feel |
| appropriate punishment that fits the crime. | | | | real. By visualizing success, children will internalize |
| Another way to shape your child's self-esteem is to | | | | positive thoughts that will counteract the negativity |
| have the child become more than a goal setter, but a | | | | that they hear and see on a daily basis, thereby |
| goal getter. By teaching your child five simple | | | | boosting their self-esteem. |
| concepts, goals can be accomplished. Child | | | | Habits you train are habits you gain. Instilling good |
| psychologist and Junction City, Ore., school | | | | habits in children encourages them to be |
| superintendent Kathleen Rodden-Nord says that | | | | self-disciplined while providing an environment that |
| when setting goals for children, parents should make | | | | fosters self-esteem. By following these simple and |
| the goals SMART, 'Specific, Measurable, Attainable, | | | | proven steps, good habits can become routine. |
| Results-oriented and Time-line specific." You can do | | | | These new habits can give your child the tools to |
| that by helping the child to develop a list of | | | | overcome the challenges that children face. |
| short-term dreams, or tasks and then writing each | | | | |