Guidance Problems By: Keionna Davis

Causes of Behavioral Problems  Overstimulation  Breaks in Routines  Noise  Waiting Time  Frustration  Physical Problems

Overstimulation  Children who become overexcited, or overstimulated, by many things. Playing with other children can overstimulate some children.  Some children become overstimulated when there are program changes. Overstimulation can also result from having too many activities planned

Breaks in Routines  Routines are important to children. They let children know what to expect and when. If routines are not followed, children become confused. Behavior problems can arise.  All children need consistent daily schedules. Quiet activities need to be followed by active activiities.

Noise  Noise affects children differently. Children with very sensitive ears are particularly upset by noise. Some kids may try to escape noise.  To avoid the problems caused by noise, control the volume of tapes, records, and CD’s. Also pay close attention of your own voice.

Waiting Time  Children often behave poorly when they have to wait for long periods of time. If this occurs, it may damage the children’s self- concepts.  Manage your time wisely. Cut down on the waiting time by being prepared.  If the children are actively involved in self- selected activities, it will reduce waiting time and resulting behavior problems.

Frustration  Feelings of defeat or discouragement causing tension.  Conflict over toys can also create frustration. Forcing children into activities they are not prepared to join can result in frustration. A better approach is to allow the children to decide what is best.

Physical Problem  Poor health or other physical problems can cause tension and behavioral problems in children.  Aggressive children need a calming influence. Direct these children to activities in which they can release energy.  Poor or inadequate nutrition can also affect behavior.

Specific Problems Behaviors  Negativism  Stealing  Anger  Biting  Tattling  Exploring the Body  Thumbsucking  Fear

Negativism  Preschool children can be negative, particularly between two and three years of age. Children at this age are wanting to become more independent. A “no” in many cases is a child’s attempt at independence.

Stealing  Preschool children do not understand the difference between mine and yours. Children under three years of age take something, they are not stealing. The desire for something appealing may combine with a child’s natural impulsiveness.

Anger  A child’s anger can serve a useful purpose. Anger draws attention to something that annoys the child. You can help that child learn to deal with anger. Young children often use their whole bodies to express anger.

Biting  Young children often bite when they are upset. This is not an unusual behavior, particularly with two-year-olds.  They may bite because they cannot express themselves using words.

Tattling  Tattling seems to occur in many classrooms and is a typical behavior for many young children. Most of the time, the child who tattles is insecure, and tattles to get your attention.

Exploring the Body  Children begin to explore their bodies early in life. It is common for one-year- olds to explore their genitals during diaper changing.  As children begin to gain control of their body functions, interest in the genital area grows.

Thumbsucking  To relieve tension, children may suck their thumbs. Studies show that almost half of all infants suck their fingers or thumbs. By 18 months, thumbsucking usually reaches its peak.

Fear  Every child experience fear. By three years of age, most children have many kinds of fears. Some fears may be real while others will be imaginary. As the child grows, real fears will be kept. Imaginary fears will be outgrown.

Work cited  Working with Young Children book