Teens and children start having behavior problems in school or at their own homes for different reasons. Environmental, educational or emotional difficulties may arise. This should be approached and treated gradually.

If Behavior Modification is applied the right way, this will result in:

1. behavior change after a fair amount of time
2. more good behavior than bad behavior
3. better understanding between parent and child
4. almost all members of the family are less stressed

This approach can also give you negative results if it is NOT done right, such as:

1. there can be a negative impact on both parent and child
2. negative behavior may worsen if not handled well
3. situation can also go bad if the parent doesn’t understand the child as well as himself
4. positive and negative reinforcement can have bad implications if not balanced well

Managing the rules of positive and negative reinforcement is easier said than done. It is important that a child understands the consequences and rewards of his actions. Each child is an individual and therefore has different behavior. The approach or strategy then varies for each behavior type. Take for example an aggressive child. This child will often goad other kids, be in fights or cause an argument to happen. This kind of child is what we call a bully and doesn’t have many friends. His solution to every problem is by winning a fight. They make threats, and become verbally and physically aggressive. A teaser on the other hand makes fun of everybody and picks on them too. He puts down others by criticizing and harassing verbally. The object usually is a special child with special needs and the antagonist has a behavior disorder.

It is important that parents understand the behavior before it is treated. It is easy to turn a blind eye when a child has done something wrong. But without intervention this could have very bad results. When the program is being applied, the key to success is to always be consistent. Parents should also be a role model on the way they behave and react to situations at home. Lastly, parents should let all children feel and know that they are loved and that they can be better kids.

James Lehman, a Behavioral Therapist has put together a program that could change your child’s behavior effectively. I recommend that you get a copy of The Total Transformation by James Lehman.