Model appropriate behaviors and coping strategies. If you yell or hit something when you are angry, don't be surprised if your kindergartner follows your lead. Children are highly observant and gain most of their knowledge about how to behave by observing trusted adults such as parents and teachers.
Explain your emotions. Just as modeling appropriate behavior is important, using words to explain your feelings will help children learn what is appropriate. This will also show children that it is okay to feel a certain way, and there are appropriate actions to go along with those emotions. For example, say "I was really angry when the lawn mower broke," rather than yelling at or kicking the mower. This will show children that the emotion they are feeling isn't wrong; it is how you handle the emotion that is important.
Create a list of household rules. Use a large sheet of poster board and some markers to write down a few house rules. Be specific, but try not to include more than 10 rules. Some examples of rules kindergartners should be able to follow include "Keep your hands to yourself," and "Clean up your own messes." Discuss with your child the consequences of not following these rules.
Make a simple behavior chart. Using red, green and yellow construction paper dots, make a traffic light poster on a piece of poster board. Attach a piece of hook-and-loop closure to the center of each dot. Cut out a small picture of your child and attach a hook-and-loop closure to the back of it, too. If your child behaves inappropriately or fails to follow a household rule, have your child move her picture from green to yellow. If your child continues the negative behavior, ask her to move her picture to red and enforce the agreed-upon consequence. Be sure your child understands the offense before you enforce the consequence.