About five years ago, the Brat Camp, a reality show based on the unruly child, was very popular in the USA and in the UK. The shows have since been axed but the show still runs in Germany and The Netherlands. There has been a lot of controversy about the show which took kids into exotic locations such as Kenya and hoped that some tough love or hardship would resolve all the child behavior problems. Actually, the famous children's charity in the UK, Barnardo's, has been to the forefront in criticizing the program because it gives parents the wrong idea in that a short, sharp dose of tough love will solve all the child behavior problems. As the program was watched by millions, it was giving a very narrow and unreal view of child misbehavior.
Looking at the various Brat Camp programs over the years, there were a wide variety of behavior issues dealt with and the participants usually had a problem or two, such as drug issues, alcohol, lying, stealing, malicious damage and violence in all its sordid glory. If you cannot take your unruly child into the desert, or watch the program, hoping that these kids will be turned around, then what can you do, realistically? Like most reality shows, Brat Camp, is totally unreal!
It all depends on the parent and somebody once remarked that the parents need counselling much more than the unruly child. In a way, this is true and that is why child behavior programs can offer an alternative which teaches both parents and children how to react to certain behavior issues. This is borne out by an alarming increase in the number of cases of violence reported against children each year. The cases of intoxicated mothers beating their children is increasing. This usually involves a single mother who may be under financial pressure. She becomes an alcoholic and abusive. All the pressures build up and the misbehaving child becomes an easy target for her physical violence against the child.
Basically a child behavior program will teach you and your unruly child a set of skills for dealing with everyday problems of discipline at home. What do you do when your child starts to become verbally abusive and may become physically violent?
How do you set up a rewards and consequences program that will suit your child? These programs give you advice and show what can work for your child. Basically, the rewards and punishments will have to have a positive effect on your child's behavior. If they do not, then the program will help you choose more suitable ones. It will also advise you on timing and how to react to violent scenes and meltdowns. This requires work from both the parents and the unruly child but at least the programs are much more effective than sending your child to a Brat Camp or even waste your time watching the program.
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