Behavior Problems

Biting Reasons: –frustrated, threatened, over stimulated, angry, hungry, tired, pain from teething –Reaction from caregiver –Common ages months Handle it: –Tell them it hurts –Ask the child who bit to get ice for other child –Pay more attention to the bitten child than the bitter –Be on the look out for language delays!

Sharing Reasons –Children are not selfish, they are not able to think about others yet –Before the age of 3 ½ -4 children are not developmentally ready to share How to handle it –Collect duplicates of favorite toys –If the child hordes toys rather than playing with them this is a sign they are not dev. Ready to share –First Possession –Play turn taking games –Be a generous role model –Make a place for all children to keep their own personal belongings

Aggression Reason –Aggression is common until children learn to use words to express strong emotions How to handle it –Teach nice and gentle ways to touch other children –Teach them how to make space for their play –Accidents sometimes happen –Teach children to use the following words Stop That’s mine help –Insist children listen to each other’s words

Picky Eating Reasons –Toddlerhood food needs decrease. Serve small amounts of food –Eat irregularly –Food jags are common (repeat food choices) –Food textures –Expressing independence How to handle it –Chance to be powerful by making choices –Involve children in preparation –Simple and healthy choices –Calming activity before eating –Give a warning before eating –Allow play with new foods and some play with familiar foods –Allow children to leave the table when they are finished –Preschoolers to serve themselves

What to do if you think a child is not developing “normally” Observe Contact family Share observations with parents Expect things to take time Give parents needed support The caregiver’s role

Caring for active children Free play Play outside Limit the amount of time in large group Change activities Separate space Simple clear instructions