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For Parents

• Why children misbehave •
• Dealing with misbehavior •
• What to do if you suspect child abuse •
• Helpful Resources •
 
“No success in life can compensate for failure in the home.”
 

Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale is a non-profit, chartered council of a statewide organization dedicated to preventig child abuse. Located in Conyers, Georgia in the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area, PCAR leads, supports, and coordinates citizens and professionals in a comprehensive effort to end child abuse.

Our Mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect in all forms.
 

Get involved and save a life!Volunteer support multiplies our efforts to help families and educate our community. There are many rewarding and exciting opportunities to serve families with us.

Financial support helps ensure the continuation of PCAR’s proven prevention programs. Your tax deductible pledge or gift will help offset recent decreases in government funding and allow us to provide vitally needed services to families and children.
 
 
Why Children Misbehave
 
Child abuse and neglect are tragic realities within millions of families worldwide. Each day children are abandoned, neglected, beaten, and sexually abused.
 

There are 3 main reasons why children misbehave:

  1. They don't know the rules. Children are experiencing many things for the first time. They don't know that what they are doing is not OK.
  2. They want to test the rules. It is normal for children to challenge limits. Children may break rules because they are angry, in need of attention or not yet able to control their desires. When a child wants attention, sometimes even negative attention is better than no attention.
  3. They don't feel well. Children, like everyone else, feel sick, hungry, tired or upset. Children lack the skills to express their needs and wants. They may "act up" instead.
Try to understand the cause of your child's behavior. This will help you choose the best way to respond.

To stop misbehavior before it starts, do the following:

  • Evaluate your own behavior first. Parents are the example their children follow. Are you behaving the way you want your child to behave? If not, work on gaining the skills and help necessary to set a good example for your child. Our programs are designed to answer any parent’s question and meet every caregiver’s specific needs. (link “our programs” to the Programs and Resources page).
  • Communication is key. Talk with your child often and in a way you want them to communicate. Yelling will only escalate problems and alienate your child. Stay calm and listen as much as you speak. This way you can work out strong feelings together.
  • Set clear rules. Make sure your child knows which behaviors are OK and which ones are not. Consequences for breaking each rule should be discussed and understood. Set up a routine for bedtime, meals and other times when conflict is common.
  • Be consistent. Once you have set rules, stick to them. Respond every time your child misbehaves.
  • Be firm but fair. Try not to overreact when your child breaks a rule. Everybody makes mistakes. You can be fair and loving at the same time.
  • Praise good behavior. Take notice when your child behaves well. Encourage the behaviors you want to see in your child.


REMEMBER TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. YOUR CHILD LOOKS UP TO YOU!
 
 
© 2009 Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale. All Rights Reserved.