Common Behavior Problems in Preschoolers and What You Can Do About Them

As our little ones enter the milestone phase of preschool, they experience a sense of increasing independence. However, with this sense of independence comes a whole range of behaviours that seem problematic. Parents of preschoolers become all too familiar with temper tantrums, disobedience, defiance, and other similar themes.

What is a “behavioural problem”?

The term “behaviour problem” refers to any abnormal behaviour or reaction that is not socially acceptable or considered normal for a child of a certain age. Children behave in certain ways to meet basic needs or to ward off impending frustration. Although it is typical for young children to be defiant or naughty, it is not normal for this type of behaviour to be frequent or disruptive and disrupt the child’s daily routine at home or at school.

What Causes Behavior Problems?

There can be several factors that contribute to a child’s difficult or poor behaviour. These include changes in the child’s social and psychological environment, such as B. Life-changing events like the birth of a new sibling or moving to a new home. In addition, our own emotional state can greatly influence our child’s behaviour. For example, when a child is upset about a problem at work, they can easily sense a parent’s distress and respond with discomfort or aggression.

Another common cause of bad behaviour is attention or lack thereof. As parents, we often tend to only pay attention to our child when they are misbehaving; we hardly notice or take it for granted when he behaves well. So over time, he learns that he has to misbehave to get our attention.

Signs of behavioural problems in preschool children

• Having frequent tantrums
• Very easily annoyed or irritated
• Refusing to listen to what you say
• Can’t follow the rules
• Eating too little or too much
• Aggressive towards siblings or peers
• Shows a tendency to fight or hurt others
• Tries to hurt herself
• Find it difficult to learn
• Feeling unhappy or anxious
• Throw things
• Cry unnecessarily

Dealing with behavioural problems in preschool children

It is crucial that we identify and tackle unacceptable behaviour and its causes early enough. Choosing to ignore them causes these behaviours to become the child’s normal response to life situations. It is up to us as parents to ensure that behavioural issues are addressed as early as possible so that our children will have more positive experiences as they grow up.

Here are five common behaviour problems in preschoolers and tips on how to deal with them easily but effectively. (Remember, it’s normal for a child to exhibit one or more of these behaviours on occasion).

Outbursts of anger

Most preschoolers throw tantrums at some point. Although these situations are extremely embarrassing and stressful, a little patience on your part can do wonders. Children usually throw tantrums when they are unable to cope with emotions such as anger and disappointment, or even when they cannot control a situation. Hunger and fatigue can also trigger tantrums in some children. Sometimes children throw tantrums to try to assert themselves.

If you anticipate your child throwing a tantrum at the store when denied a toy, explain before you reach the store that you will only be buying groceries and no toys. She will then be better prepared to control her emotions when she suddenly sees a toy she wants but gets a resounding no from you. On the other hand, giving in to her tantrums will give her the wrong idea that she can get whatever she wants, whenever she wants.

If you feel that your child’s tantrum is a reaction to your own stress, the best thing you can do is not make them feel guilty about their wrongdoing. Instead, work on calming yourself, and then calm your child.

Despite

It’s undoubtedly frustrating when your young child flatly refuses to do what you tell them to do. But don’t lose your temper right away. Remember that defiance is a sign of your child’s growing independence. However, constant defiance is not healthy. It is important to motivate your child to listen to you. Praise him when he is cooperative. Explain to him that he is more responsible if he is cooperative than if he refuses to listen to you. One way to get your child out of the habit of defiance is to give them limited choices. It gives him a sense of control and makes him want to work with you. For example, if your child refuses to go to bed at the time you set, you can ask them to choose which pyjamas they want to wear. In this way, he is included in the decision and his sense of freedom is not compromised.

Lies

It’s normal for preschoolers to lie—either by blowing up the truth to get attention or by bending or dodging the truth to avoid getting into trouble. Although this tendency is not a cause for alarm if not addressed early enough, your child can develop into a habitual liar. If you know your child is lying, respond calmly and encourage them to tell the truth. Explain to her the difference between truth and lies using a few simple examples. You could play a game of naming the colours of the sea or trees and ask them to find out if the statement about the colour is true or a lie. Discuss how lying could get her into more trouble than the original situation she was trying to get out of. Emphasize that they are okay with being honest, even if it has immediate negative consequences.