How to Manage Challenging Behaviours in Young Children
Young children experience a range of emotions and react in different ways at times. While for many parents it may sound familiar or annoying, it is quite common for young ones to throw tantrums and behave in ways perceived as troublesome.
A parent and an early educator need to understand the reason behind the child’s behaviour. It is common for a young child to:
- Be rebellious and not listen to what you ask them to do
- Display fussy behaviour towards food or anything offered to them
- Bite, hit, or snatch things from others
- Throw tantrums for every little thing
- Show excessive anger, cry for everything, and more
Understand Why They Behave So
Why are they behaving this way? Are we mistaking their behaviour and not looking beyond the behaviour to see what's causing it? Because if you want to change behaviour, you have to get to the root of what is causing it. It is very important to understand that discipline is not going to help—guidance will. Discipline is a very traditional and formal concept, whereas guidance helps children control their behaviour by addressing its root causes.
Reward Points and Positive Reinforcement
Who doesn’t like to be praised? Even kids do. Whenever they behave well, don’t forget to praise their behaviour, give them some reward points, or voice positive affirmations. This will gradually help them understand the difference between correct and inappropriate behaviour. For those who wish to teach and positively influence young children while also managing their stubborn behaviours, opting for preschool teacher courses, NTT courses, Early Childhood Care and Education courses, and other teacher training courses can be of great help. These courses enable teachers to better understand children’s psychology.
Establish Clear Expectations and Routines
Consistency is the key when it comes to managing challenging behaviours. In early childhood education courses, setting clear expectations about acceptable behaviours and communicating with the young ones are vital topics covered. Early years’ teacher training courses focus on how to establish predictable routines for young children so that they feel secure and know what to expect throughout the day.
Teach Emotional Regulation Skills
While young children are still learning to identify different emotions, it becomes necessary for a parent and early years’ teacher to provide opportunities for them to express their feelings through different fun methods, including games, art, conversation, acting, pretend play, and more. Teach simple strategies like deep breathing, backward or forward counting till ten, facial expressions for different emotions, and more.
Practice the Controlling of Emotions
- Calm-down power: Tell a child that when they are upset, they should take a deep breath. They need to tell themselves, 'I have the calm-down power.'
- Mouth-closed power: When somebody is saying bad things to you, you don't have to give them back or become part of that; you can keep your mouth closed because you have the 'mouth-closed power.'
- Hands-down power: If you feel like hitting someone in anger, don’t. Like Superman, you have the 'hands-down power'—your hands are in your control, and you will not raise them.
- Walk-away power: If faced with a bully or an unfamiliar situation, 'walk away' and approach a teacher or parent.
Conclusion
Children are well-behaved when they are around their loved ones in a safe and familiar setting. To create a healthy and positive atmosphere, early childhood teachers should try connecting with parents so they understand the child thoroughly, giving children a sense of familiarity.
By implementing a few tips and continuously reflecting on your practice, you can create a positive and supportive learning environment that helps young children develop the socio-emotional skills they need to thrive. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay flexible, patient, and committed to helping each child reach their fullest potential. Happy teaching!