Keeping It Positive
Working at home with children around can be tough. Children are muchmore likely to do what we ask if we give them positive instructions andlots of praise for what they do right
Say the behavior you want to see
Use positive words when telling your child what to do
- Instead of saying ‘Don’t make a mess’, say ‘Please put your clothes away’
- Instead of saying‘Stop playing video games’, say ‘Let’s take a break now’
- Instead of saying‘Don’t scream when I am on a call’, say‘Please keep quiet for 15 minutes’
Praise your child when they are behaving well
Notice good behaviour and praise your childrenfor things they have done well
- ‘I notice that you wash your hands before eating.This is a good habit’
- ‘It is great that you keep your desk clean and tidy’
Help your children stay connected
- Encourage your childrento maintain contactwith relatives and friends,e.g. through video calls
- Encourage your teenagers tomaintain social contact with friendsthrough phone or social media
April 2020
Student Health Service, Department of Health