There can be many reasons why toddlers and young kids behave badly.
It’s usually because they are tired, hungry or frustrated.
How Do You Handle Difficult Behavior
It’s important to address problem behaviour that is causing distress for you or your child, or is upsetting other members of the family.
Feel what you feel
You must do what is right for you, your family and your child. You will probably not succeed if you do something that you don’t believe in, or feel is wrong. Children can tell when you are not being sincere.
Don’t give up
Continue to act on your decision. It takes time for solutions to work. You can get support from your partner or a friend. You should have someone with whom you can discuss your plans.
Consistency is key
Children need consistency. Children get confused if you react in one way to their behaviour one day, and then another the next. You should also make sure that all those close to your child deal with their behavior in the same manner.
Avoid overreacting
It can be frustrating. Your anger and frustration can grow when your child repeatedly does something irritating.
Try to remain calm. As soon as you can, move on to something else that makes you feel good or enjoy yourself.
Talk to other parents to help you cope with your frustration.
Speak to your child
It is not necessary for children to speak to understand. If they know why you want something done, it can be helpful. Explain why you want your child to hold your hand when crossing the street.
Encourage your child to tell you why they are angry or upset once they can speak. It will make them feel less angry.
Positive thinking is the key to success
It’s easy to overlook the good things a child does when their behaviour is challenging. When you are pleased with something your child has done, tell them. Give your child attention, give them a hug, or smile at them when you are pleased.
Offer Rewards
Rewarding your child for good behavior is a great way to help them. You can praise your child or serve their favorite food at tea.
Tell your child how happy you are when they behave well. Be specific. You could say, “Thank you for returning your toys to the box after I asked.”
Don’t reward your child before they have done what you asked them to. This is a bribe and not a reward.
Avoid smacking
The smacking of a child may temporarily stop them from doing something, but the effect is not long-lasting.
If you treat your child aggressively, they will be more aggressive. Set a good example.
Factors that affect your child’s behavior
- Changes in life can be very difficult for children. It could be a birth, a move, a new childminder, or a playgroup.
- Are you having a hard time? Children are quick to notice when parents are upset or if there are family problems. You may be unable to handle their bad behavior when you are feeling the most stressed. You shouldn’t blame yourself if you are having difficulties, and your child should not be blamed either if they behave badly.
- Your previous handling of difficult behaviour. Sometimes your child will react in a certain way because you handled the problem before. If you have given sweets to your child in the past to keep them calm at the shop, they might expect sweets whenever you visit.
- Needing Attention. Your child may see a tantrum, even though it is bad attention, as a means to get attention. Some children wake up in the night to be cuddled or have some company. Give them more attention when you see that they are behaving well.
