To control erratic behavior, do what feels right, what you do has to be right for your child, yourself and the family. Children notice when you do not mean what you're saying. Be consistent, children need consistency, if you react to your child's behaviour in one way one day and a different way the next, it's confusing for them. It's also important that everyone close to your child deals with their behaviour in the same way. Try not to overreact, this can be difficult, when your child does something annoying time after time, your anger and frustration can build up. Talk to your child, children do not have to be able to talk to understand, it can help if they understand why you want them to do something. Be positive about the good things, when a child's behaviour is difficult, the things they do well can be overlooked, tell your child when you're pleased about something they've done. Offer rewards, you can help your child by rewarding them for good behaviour, for example, praise them or give them their favourite food for tea. Avoid smacking, smacking may stop a child doing what they're doing at that moment, but it does not have a lasting positive effect.