Breaking Bad Habits

Bad habits. We all have them. Luckily you can help your child break his by using these methods.

What You Need to Know

Try these behavioral modifications to help your child break many bad habits.

• Discuss why the behavior is something to avoid and try to think of a more positive thing to do instead of the habit.
• Shape his behavior. Choose a time when he doesn’t exhibit the behavior and practice avoiding the habit at that time. Gradually move on to other times when he is more likely to exhibit the habit and try avoidance techniques then.
• Provide a good example by ditching your own bad habits, such as smoking.
• Enlist the support of others by telling them about plans to kick the habit.
• Praise your child’s successes.
• Calm him down. Stress causes nervous habits, such as nail biting. Try deep breathing and positive self-talk.
• Have patience. Getting rid of bad habits takes time and is best accomplished gradually.

How You Can Help

• Count down to success. Aim to reduce the number of times a habit occurs each day gradually. At first, be encouraged if the number drops by just a few. Progress slowly until the habit is gone.
• If the behavioral techniques mentioned in this article don’t work for your child. He may need professional help. Some habits are more serious than others and more difficult to break.

For more information about bad habits, please see the full article:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Getting_Your_Break/