Many parents struggle with dealing with their mischievous children, who are inherently curious and disruptive. The question of how to handle them smartly arises, and whether their naughty behavior needs to be corrected. According to mental health expert Daria Al-Khazen, there is positivity in mischievous behavior, signifying that a child is beginning to form an independent personality. The level of stubbornness in a child is usually mild and not annoying to family members, except in cases of harsh parental control.
In contrast, the obedient child, who always follows instructions and often says “yes” to everything, may face delays in their psychological and mental development. Al-Khazen suggests that each child is distinctive, and dealing with mischievous children requires patience and understanding. Maintaining calm and expressing love and support for the child at all times is essential. However, parents should know that disciplining such a child should never involve beating or harmful punishment.
Al-Khazen emphasizes in her conversation with Al Jazeera Net that the future of a mischievous child could be outstanding, depending largely on the child’s behavior, context, and the opportunities available to them. Continuous learning and growth, along with appropriate assistance, can contribute to positive improvements in their future.
### Handling a Mischievous Child
Al-Khazen confirms that proper interaction with a mischievous child opens the door to accepting them and improving their behavior. Parents and educators need to understand the child’s actions, which range from screaming to causing problems with peers or friends. She offers advice for dealing with mischievous children:
**Effective Communication:**
Have honest and effective communication with your child. Listen to their feelings and needs and understand the motivations behind their behavior. Communicate in simple and clear language for easy understanding.
**Fostering Positivity:**
Encourage your child’s positive behavior by allowing them to talk about their feelings and offering positive alternatives to expressing anger or frustration. Acknowledge cooperativeness and reward them with praise and appreciation, instead of focusing solely on punishment and criticism.
**Maintaining Calmness:**
Keep a moderated tone when discussing their behavior. Avoid whispering or yelling, and speak with firmness and seriousness, respecting their dignity.
**Controlling Anger and Irritability:**
Parents should be role models, speaking kindly and avoiding yelling.
**Sticking to Daily and Weekly Routines:**
Establishing study, activity, and sleep routines can improve behavior and school performance. A lack of sleep can lead to behavior issues among children aged 3 to 12.
**Limiting Instructions:**
Avoid bombarding the child with too many commands or tasks that could overwhelm or distract them.
### Is a Mischievous Child Intelligent?
An article on “Parent Circle” about intelligently handling a mischievous child without correcting such behaviors stresses the importance of knowing the child’s traits. A mischievous child uses their energy in conflict or aggressive play and requires supportive educational approaches. Such a child is usually curious, creative, and smart, persistently pursuing goals, which requires bravery and independence. They need their personal space to express opinions and discuss certain personal matters.
### Will a Mischievous Child Be a Successful Adult?
As reported by “Info News,” every mother wishes for a well-behaved and calm child for a peaceful life. However, studies have shown that a mischievous child who causes trouble at home and school may become a successful personality in the future. For example, the Chinese business magnate Ma Yun, owner of a successful internet business group and the first Asian businessman on the cover of Forbes magazine, was known as a naughty and disruptive child.
For handling a mischievous child with wisdom and understanding, the site suggests:
– Praising good behavior and ignoring irritating behaviors, rather than emphasizing them with blame.
– Listening to the child’s needs without mockery.
– Engaging in simplified dialogue to convince and satisfy the child, reducing their defensiveness and stubbornness.
– Not forsaking firmness and discipline, so the child understands the repercussions of their actions.
– Replacing physical punishment with love, care, and self-confidence building.
Children’s mischievous behavior does not necessarily reflect their future outcome. As they grow and learn from experiences, children may become more mature, disciplined, and successful, or alternatively, they could develop aggressive, negative traits.
