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How to Teach a Child Good Behavior – Using the Three P’s

Stop and consider your own life and childhood. Do you have many memories of intentionally being taught how to act correctly? Maybe you have a few fun memories and a bunch of memories that make you smack yourself in the face and think, “Ugh, if only I hadn’t learned that lesson the hard way!” We want to train our little ones to know what behavior is acceptable and what is not, so they don’t have to learn the hard way. So, let’s talk about how to teach a child good behavior.

Training your little one what is right and good.

When I got pregnant with my first born, I would daydream about how great my life as a mom would be.

One thing I knew was that I would walk through fire to make sure my little family was strong, enjoyed each other and that each child was equipped for living a great life! I was convinced it was possible. However, I’ll admit, at first, I didn’t know how to accomplish it.

I thought, “surely, good parenting isn’t only passing out punishment for every mistake a child makes?!” “Can’t I actually train or teach my child how to behave well, instead?” This was so foreign to everyone around me at the time.

Back then, and even more today, you’re much more likely to find a lot of people telling you about the hardships of raising kids than to find a resource showing you how to actually do it well!

little girl in pink dress displaying trained good behavior as her mom kisses her head while sitting on the floor

How to Teach a Child Good Behavior

I put my blinders on, put my head down, and started looking for every answer I could find on how to actually train a child to be good.

How to teach a child good behavior using the 3 P’s. In just 3 simple steps!

#1. Present The Good Behavior Requirement.

#2. Practice the Good Behavior.

So, this is where the fun starts. When I began child training with my firstborn, I had no support other than my husband. I was the first of my friends to have a baby and the concept of child training was foreign to any other acquaintances around me whom already had children.

It’s true, I was mocked a bit. Folks just didn’t “get it.”

Why would you sit down with a one-year-old and practice being still?

Because I care deeply about the well being of my child.

Fortunately, you and I have found each other, so you don’t have to be “the only one” intentionally training your child, the way I was back then.

Then…

#3. Perfect the Good Behavior.

Pay attention to these things. These are easy indicators of who your child is and who she’ll become. For instance, sitting still came easily to my oldest son. From a very early age, he could memorize long bible verses.

Today, he reads big fat books all day long for pleasure. He is laid back and tech-savvy.

On the other hand, my daughter needed extra practice sitting still, however, she always had an easy time practicing boldness in regards to speaking to people.

Today, she is a high-energy, gymnastic-loving girl who is very relational. People are important to her. She’s filled with compassion and has a smile and hello for everyone she meets.

Set Your Child Up For Success

You set your child up for success when you intentionally train her good behavior. Being dedicated to teaching her good behaviors minimizes the number of things she has to learn the hard way. In addition, you’ll be so tuned-in to who she is as a person, you’ll be able to train her all the better.

Child training is a beautiful cycle that benefits you, your family and most importantly, your child!

Spend some time each day intentionally training desirable behavior into your child. Present it to her, practice it and perfect it. Child training never ends. You’ll find yourself revisiting many behaviors you’ve previously taught. That’s OK.

Soak up every moment you can with your little punkin! She won’t be little for long and the bigger she gets, the more complex the training gets. Make the most of these precious little years!

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3 Comments

  • Rhulani Marcia Risaba Mklama says:

    Dear Shelley
    This is so easy to follow. Thank you very much. I will keep on it.
    From Rhulani

  • faithfamilyandmiracles says:

    Hi Shelley! These are very good tips for helping a child learn a specific behavior. Thank you for sharing these! Right now, my son is learning to sit still in church. He knows what is expected but we need to keep working on practicing and perfecting. Parenthood is amazing and I know all of the efforts of intentionally teaching a child will be worth it.

    LaDonna | Faith Family and Miracles

Hi there! I'm Mama Duck,

I'm a stay-at-home/work-at-home, homeschooling Mama of 4 beautiful kiddos, wife to my loving husband, Parenting Coach, Speaker, and Writer. I adore the sound of my children's giggles, that first sip of hot coffee, and a snuggly blanket fresh out of the dryer. Here on Faithful Parenting, my heart is to equip mamas with the skills, knowledge, and biblical wisdom to raise fantastic kids and build a tethered family!