Student Wellbeing

Positive behaviour: what it is and why it’s important for children and teenagers

Positive behaviour in children and teenagers is about acting, speaking and responding in ways that help with getting along with others, staying safe and developing well. Positive behaviour can look different at different ages and stages of development, but it usually includes things like speaking kindly, cooperating, resolving conflict effectively, and following instructions.

Positive behaviour might depend on family beliefs, values and culture.

When children and teenagers behave in positive ways, it’s good for their wellbeing, relationships with family and friends, confidence, learning, health and safety.

When your child is young, they might need your help to understand how to behave in positive ways. As your child gets older, they’ll understand why positive behaviour is important and make good choices based on this.

When your child is young, you’re the most important influence on their behaviour. As your child grows, their peers and other adults have more influence, but you still have a key role in shaping the way your child behaves.

Relationships and positive behaviour

Warm and loving relationships that include regular positive attention help to lay the foundation for all areas of child and teenage development, including behaviour. That’s because children and teenagers do best when they feel supported, encouraged and safe.

When it comes to behaviour, a strong relationship with you means your child is more likely to:

• trust that the limits you set are good for them
• be motivated to cooperate with you
• follow your lead and learn from you
• develop positive relationships with others

• feel confident to learn new skills, including positive behaviour skills.

  From 'Raising children Network'

   

  Jenny Willmott

  Student Wellbeing Being Leader