How To Use Reverse Psychology With Children?
In many cases, getting children to behave is difficult. After all, child rearing is far from simple. Sometimes parents need some techniques to get the little ones to behave well. Reverse psychology is one of the methods that can be used to deal with some children’s inappropriate attitudes.
Certainly, this is an important tool that parents can use to influence their children’s decisions. Adults can use reverse psychology by intentionally arguing for a decision or behavior, while secretly wanting the child to support the opposite decision or behavior.
This technique usually works well with challenging children, because many just want to do the opposite of what their parents are saying. However, this type of technique should be used sparingly.
Furthermore, it is also necessary to choose words and situations carefully. Whichever reverse psychology technique you use, make sure it is applied correctly and that you make it convincing.
Use of reverse psychology with children
Parents can use reverse psychology to mitigate some children’s innate urge to thwart their desires. However, as mentioned earlier, this must be done responsibly and in moderation.
Therefore, you should never use negative reverse psychology, which is one that can be detrimental to children’s self-esteem.
While it is an effective method for raising children, it can also do more harm than good if used incorrectly or too often. At best, it just won’t work. At worst, it can damage the child’s self-esteem or lead to feelings of guilt.
By telling your child the opposite of what he wants to do, you can get him to do exactly what you want him to do. However, it is important to note that children are very impressionable. Therefore, it is recommended that reverse psychology be used only in special circumstances.
Above all, it must be avoided that it is used in a way that could damage the child’s self-esteem. An incorrect use of reverse psychology can lead the child to believe that he is not capable of achieving what you propose and to withdraw further.
You can also use reverse psychology by explaining the situation to your child so that he or she can understand it. This technique works when the pros and cons of each action are detailed in a simplified way. Once the child understands the situation, he or she can do the right thing. Don’t forget to always use positive phrases.
Tips for Using Reverse Psychology with Children
Here are some tips you should keep in mind when using reverse psychology with children:
- Challenge your child to excel in time to give orders.
- Keep calm and avoid reacting emotionally when your child misbehaves.
- Use a positive reward system.
- Offer your child an option to make him feel independent.
- Use reverse psychology to influence positively. Otherwise, you will fall into a form of manipulation that, when noticed, will turn the little one against you.
- Finally, don’t use reverse psychology as a first option.
Examples of How to Use Reverse Psychology with Children
if you don’t want to eat
If your child refuses to eat because he’s watching television, you can tell him it’s time for bed, since dinnertime is over. This fact can stimulate a positive action by the child who, when he wants to have more television time, will finish the dish.
If you don’t want to shower before bed
If it’s bath time before bed and the child refuses, you can tell her it’s time for bed. Keep in mind that most children prefer to do just about anything so as not to go to bed early. For this reason, it is very possible that you have a chance that the child will accept your request.
Finally, we remind you that reverse psychology works especially well with young children, as this age group seems to instinctively enjoy doing things contrary to their parents’ wishes.
Anyway, don’t forget to use reverse psychology with children only when necessary. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s time to try this feature with your little ones at home!
