How to Teach Children to Be Proactive

Teach your child to be proactive by acknowledging good behavior.

A proactive child remains aware and expectant of possible issues. Preparedness rests at the center of a proactive approach. As defined by Merriam-Webster, pro-activity requires "acting in anticipation of future problems, needs or changes." A proactive child expects challenges as well as change and perseveres with the tools and knowledge of the coping strategies you instill in him. Teaching your children pro-activity can inspire self-esteem, motivation, respect and responsibility.

Instructions

1. Teach your child his address and phone number as well as an emergency contact number. Ensure your child knows that if he needs help he can call home or a close friend or family member. Require him to recite and print out the contact information to ensure he remembers.

2. Create a safe word with your child to discourage talking with strangers. Choose a word easy to pronounce but not related to a pet, favorite place or pastime. Teach your kid that before talking or going anywhere with a stranger she must require the safe word.

3. Designate a known safe place. In the case of an emergency, such as a fire, indicate a location to meet up with the family and call for help. Visit this place often so your child knows how to get to the location.

4. Differentiate between reacting and responding through role playing. Explain that reacting is reciprocal and often impulsive. Responding requires thought and planning. Allow your child to practice reacting and responding to negative events to see how negative acts often spawn a chain of negative reactions and events. Your child must acknowledge that it takes time to respond to change.

5. Praise good behavior consistently. Acknowledge when your child acts appropriately. As much as you must call attention to bad behavior, you must compliment your kid when he acts the way you want. If you only pay attention to negative events he will learn that to get attention he must act out. Award small prizes and words of praise for exceptional conduct.

6. Encourage positive thinking and challenge negative thinking. If your child feels negatively about an event, discuss the positive aspects. Do not allow your child to give up on a situation, person or himself.

References

• Article Alley: What You Can Do to Safeguard Your Child and Be Prepared
• Counselling Resource: 5 Ways to Teach Your Kids to be Proactive
• Proactive Mediation Services

Resources

• Merriam-Webster Definition of Proactive