7 parenting tips to get your child to behave appropriately, and the world will thank you.

If only children came with a remote. Parents could rewind and prevent their child from spilling another glass of milk. They could fast-forward through the crying fits and stop lousy behavior, barely lifting a finger. No such remote exists, but thankfully, these parenting tips do. Who doesn't love a well-behaved child?

From the moment we find out we’re expecting, we think of all the beautiful things we’ll teach our sweet baby. Knowing it's our responsibility as parents to teach them to behave, we cannot imagine how difficult it can be. While each child is different, teaching children to behave appropriately both in and outside the home.

1. It begins at home.

Parents often struggle to get their children to behave properly, especially during their toddler years. While children typically outgrow this phase, it is essential we use this stage of their life to teach them to do what we ask when we ask them to do it. Yes, it can prove challenging, but every minute you spend teaching your child to behave is geared towards making them a wonderful human being. Believe it when we say their friends, teachers, coaches, and future bosses will thank you for it.

2. Pause.

Unless your child is in immediate danger to himself or others, you have some time to stop and think before you react. Based on the child's bad behavior, your next action could be any number of things. Taking the time to pause before you react can help defuse an emotional situation and help you respond more productively.

3. Understand child behavior and development.

When you understand how a child develops mentally and physically, you will be better able to deal with their behavior. Children rarely do things because they are inherently bad. Children often have emotions and thoughts they can’t express adequately yet. Those frustrating feelings turn into a tantrum or other “misbehavior.” Many books, websites, and children’s experts contain information on child psychology and development. You don’t have to become a pro, but a little research can help you pick a technique best suited to your child’s development and behavior.

4. Don’t shy away from discipline.

Has your child ever thrown a tantrum while at the grocery store? Often, a child does this when he knows he can get away with it. And what better place to do it than in a public setting that will leave your parents too embarrassed to react? Don’t fall into the trap! If your child misbehaves publicly, calmly remove him from the area and assert whatever discipline you would at home. If you give your child a time-out, find a spot to sit him in and do as usual. Your child will begin to understand that location does not matter—it’s never ok to misbehave.

5. Avoid holding your child to a standard most adults can’t obtain.

As adults, we get upset when things don’t go our way. Sometimes, we act poorly and say mean things. No matter how old we get, we will always have some difficulty expressing our emotions productively. Many parents expect their children to behave properly, yet most adults have a hard time doing so. Having realistic standards greatly decreases your and your child’s stress level and will lead to getting a better handle on your child’s behavior.

6. Set clear and simple expectations.

At home, you have a particular set of rules you enforce. Those rules might differ slightly when you visit a restaurant, someone else’s house, or church. Ensure your child understands each set of rules by including them on their online reward or chore chart. This can be confusing initially, but if you are consistent, your child will eventually get it. You could help by making “behavior cards” for your child with what they can and shouldn’t do for each location. Include a picture association for behavior like talking, playing, eating, etc. Laminate the cards and let your child refer to them when they start to misbehave.

7. Reward positive behavior.

Focusing on creating positive behavior is more productive than trying to prevent negative behavior. Set up a reward system using a universal wishlist like Wishfinity to keep track of positive behavior throughout the day and grant the child’s favorite wish once earned.

The most critical step in teaching your child to behave properly is recognizing that they are not perfect. Naturally, we think our children are the greatest things to enter this world, and by our standards, they usually are. However, children need guidance to be the very best versions of themselves. That’s not to say we should tell them what to do and who to be, but when we spot faulty behavior, it’s our job as parents to correct it.