Hacks on how to handle your pre-schooler’s unruly behaviour

Is your child’s unruly behaviour driving you up the walls? It can be tough dealing with a demanding child who requires your undivided attention at all times, talks back to you, and refuses to accept the word ‘no’. Staying consistent with your enforcement and punishments above anything else can go a long way to helping change bad behaviour. In addition, praising your child’s good behaviour can encourage them to be more patient and polite.

How to change your child’s bad behaviour

A child’s behaviour is often the result of individual temperament and emotional, physical, and cognitive development. However, parents, family members, siblings,  and teachers can help shape a child’s personality and coping skills over time. A child can be taught the necessary skills to develop their social and behavioural milestones in a healthy, safe preschool environment. Taking turns, politeness, sharing, and making choices are the ordinary preschool activities that offer opportunities to develop these milestones.

Methods of developing self-discipline in children

Here are a few ways you can help improve your child’s behaviour: 1. Praising your child for good behaviour. 2. Encouraging and building your child’s self-esteem. 3. Setting limits according to your child’s age and stage of development. 4. Using play and games with rules to help your child learn and understand boundaries. 5. Leading by example as children imitate the behaviour of their parents. 6. Not isolating and humiliating your child. 7. Being consistent: Saying ‘no’ and meaning ‘no’. 8. Clarifying expectations and rules of behaviour. 9. Reinforcing positive behaviour at all times.

Unacceptable methods to correct behaviour 

Using the following as ways of trying to correct your child’s bad behaviour is never acceptable:

1. Any physical restraint, biting, hitting, or shaking.
2. Humiliating, threatening, or isolating your child – such emotional punishment is inappropriate.
3. Depriving your child of food as a form of punishment (for example, sending them to bed without dinner).

Effective ways to deal with tantrums and bullying

Unacceptable behaviours such as bullying and temper tantrums should be dealt with using a range of strategies. Methods that have proven successful include:

1. Removing your child from the situation or distraction techniques.
2. Telling your child why the behaviour will not be tolerated.
3. Offering your child an opportunity to regain control and become calm.

When to turn to a professional for help

Where necessary, additional support to help deal with your child’s bad behaviour is available. If you feel your child needs help, speak to your healthcare professional for advice, or ask your child’s preschool for names and numbers of recommended child therapists or play therapists.