Child Behavior Problems

Whining

As annoying as whining can be, nearly all children do it at some time or another. The best way to handle whining is to ignore it as much as possible. If your child wants something and whines to get it, simply say, "I can't understand you when you whine. Use big kid words please." If your child whines again, ignore him. Giving in to whining just one time can teach your child that whining is an effective means of getting what he wants, and then of course, he'll whine even more often. Consistency is extremely important if you are to eliminate or reduce whining in your home.

Poor Eating Habits

Food battles are among the most common child behavior problems. The best way to handle this problem is to avoid it in the first place. Experts say that eating habits begin forming during infancy and it is important for parents to offer healthy foods consistently and repeatedly. An eating schedule is also important. Experts say that children who graze all day long are often lacking in several vitamins and minerals, and may even be consuming an insufficient number of calories. Most young children need three meals and two or three snacks each day. Most of all, they caution against turning eating into a control issue.

Not Listening or Following Instructions

Young kids often develop selective hearing. They hear their mothers call them for dinner, but somehow their ears fail them when it's time to pick up their toys. Experts advise that rather than calling to children from another room, parents should go to their children, make eye contact with them, and then tell them what they want them to do. Kids are much more likely to follow instructions when parents tell them what is expected of them and what the results will be if they comply and what will happen if they don't. If you want your children to pick up their toys, go to them and say, "You need to take these trucks into your room. If you don't clean them up, I'm going to pick them up and keep them in my room for a few days." The children have the choice to comply or not, but they know what the consequences will be if they don't.

Hitting, Biting, and Kicking

Young children sometimes lack the language skills to express feelings of frustration or anger. When another child takes a toy from them, they can't say, "Hey, that's mine! Give it back!" That's where aggressive behavior comes in. Experts say that kids who hit and bite need to be taught gently that those behaviors are unacceptable. Parents can take their child's hands and say, "Gentle hands. We use nice touches with our hands." Parents may use time-outs to discourage aggressive behavior, but they should never hit or bite their children as punishment for this behavior.

Interrupting

Many parents find interrupting to be one of the most annoying child behavior problems. Kids have a lot to say and they want to say it now, even when their parents are on the telephone or trying to talk to one another. Experts say that young children need to be encouraged to wait, rather than interrupt, but they can only wait for short periods of time. Developing a hand signal, such as holding up one finger, can let your child know that you want to hear what he has to say, but you are busy at that moment listening to someone else.

Summary

Young children are the joys in their parents' lives, no matter how they behave. But eliminating a few common behavior problems can certainly make family life easier and more enjoyable.