Good for preschool teachers

1. How To Improve
Behavioral
Problems of
Preschoolers

2. As our little ones enter the milestone phase of preschool, they experience a
sense of increasing independence.
However, along with that feeling of independence comes a whole lot of
behaviors that appear to be problematic.
Parents of preschoolers become all too familiar with temper tantrums,
disobedience, defiance, and other such issues.
How To Improve Behavioral Problems
of Preschoolers

3. The term 'behavioral problem' refers to any abnormal behavior or
response that is not socially acceptable or considered normal for a
child of a certain age.
Children behave in particular ways to meet some basic needs or to
ward off impending frustration.
Although it is typical for toddlers to be defiant or naughty, it is not
normal if this kind of behavior is frequent or disruptive and disturbs
the child's daily routine at home or school.
What is a 'behavioral problem'?

4. There may be several factors that contribute to a child's difficult or bad
behavior.
These include changes in the social and psychological environments of
the child, like life-changing events such as the birth of a new sibling or
the shift to a new home.
Further, our own emotional state can greatly impact our child's
behavior.
If upset over an issue at work, for example, a child can easily sense a
parent's distress and may react with unease or aggression.
What causes behavioral problems?

5. Another common cause for bad behavior is attention or the lack of it.
Often, as parents, we tend to pay attention to our child only when he
behaves badly.
We hardly notice or take it for granted, when he behaves well.
So, in time, he learns that to get our attention, he needs to behave
badly.
What causes behavioral
problems?

6. •Throwing frequent temper tantrums
•Getting annoyed or irritated quite easily
•Refusing to listen to what you say
•Unable to follow the rules
•Eating too little or too much
•Being aggressive towards siblings or peers
Signs of behavioral problems in
preschoolers

7. •Showing a tendency to fight with or hurt others
•Trying to hurt himself
•Finding it difficult to learn
•Feeling unhappy or scared
•Throwing things
•Crying unnecessarily
Signs of behavioral problems in
preschoolers

8. ● It is crucial that we identify unacceptable behaviors and their causes,
and deal with them early enough.
● Choosing to ignore them causes these behaviors to become the child's
normal response to life situations.
● It is up to us parents, to see that behavioral problems are rectified at
the earliest so that our children have more positive experiences as
they grow.
How to handle behavior problems in
preschoolers

9. ● Here are five common behavioral problems in preschoolers and
tips on how you can deal with them simply, but effectively.
● (Remember, it is normal for a child to display one or more of these
behaviors occasionally).

10. ● Most preschoolers throw a tantrum at some time or the other.
Although these situations are extremely embarrassing and
stressful, a little patience on your part can do wonders.
● Children usually throw a tantrum when they cannot manage
emotions like anger and disappointment, or even when they
cannot control a situation.
● Hunger and tiredness are also likely to bring on tantrums in some
children. Sometimes, children use tantrums to try and get their
way.
1. Temper tantrums

11. ● If you foresee your child throwing a tantrum at the store when she
is denied a toy, explain to her before you reach the store that you
are going to buy only groceries and not toys.
● She will then be better prepared to control her emotions when she
suddenly sees a toy she wants but gets a firm 'No' from you.
● Giving in to her tantrums, on the other hand, will give her the
mistaken idea that she can get anything she wants at any time.
● If you sense that your child's tantrum is a reaction to your own
stress, the best thing you can do is not make her feel guilty for
misbehaving. Instead, work to calm yourself down first, and then
calm your child.
1. Temper tantrums

12. ● It is no doubt frustrating when your young child refuses point-
blank to do as you tell him.
● But don't lose your temper straightaway.
● Remind yourself that defiance is a sign of your child's growing
independence.
● Constant defiance is not healthy. It is important that you motivate
your child to listen to you.
● Praise him when he is cooperative.
● Explain to him that he is proving to be more responsible when he is
cooperative than when he refuses to listen to you.
2. Defiance

13. ● One way of getting your child out of the habit of defiance is to offer
him limited choices.
● It gives him a sense of control and makes him want to cooperate
with you. For example, if your child refuses to go to bed at the time
you have set, you could ask him to choose which pair of pajamas
he would like to wear.
● This way, he gets involved in the decision, and his sense of
freedom is not compromised.
2. Defiance

14. It is normal for preschoolers to tell lies - either by blowing up the
truth to get attention or by bending or side-stepping the truth to
prevent themselves from getting into trouble.
Although this tendency is nothing to be alarmed about if it is not
addressed early enough your child may develop into a habitual liar.
If you know your child is telling a lie, respond calmly and encourage
her to tell the truth.
Explain to her with some simple examples the difference between
truth and lies.
You could play a game of naming the colors of the sea or the trees
and ask her to identify if the statement about the color is the truth or
a lie.
3. Lying

15. ● Discuss how lying could get her into more trouble than the original
situation she wants to get out of.
● Stress that it is okay for her to be honest even if it has an
immediate adverse consequence.
● Also, remember to be a role model by being honest and truthful
yourself! It is also important to understand that for preschoolers
the line between reality and fantasy is often blurred.

16. ● Aggressive behavior, although worrying, is also rather common in a
preschooler. Your child could throw things, kick, hit, or bite to
express feelings of anger.
● On the other hand, such reactions may be triggered by the fact
that he cannot express himself effectively. If, for instance, an older
child snatches a toy from him while he is playing with it, he may
bite or hit him because he is unable to get it back any other way.
● Sometimes, however, he might behave in this manner to test you
and see whether he can get his way.
● As parents, we must set boundaries and explain that this kind of
behavior is unacceptable. Remember though that disciplining is
not the same as punishing.
● Also, give your child the vocabulary of emotions so that he can talk
about his feelings rather than act them out.
4. Aggression

17. ● Your child's responses to food can also become a behavioral issue.
Your preschooler could fuss about the food or overeat leading to
unhealthy food habits.
● You can help your child develop healthy food habits by
encouraging her to eat wholesome foods at set mealtimes. Don't
make sweets or chocolates a habit.
● Instead, reserve them for spontaneous celebrations. Remember
that your child might be confusing hunger with other emotions.
● She may be feeling bored and instead of identifying the feeling
correctly, she could be confusing it with hunger and eating
excessively as a result.
● Explain that hunger is a physical feeling and not something she
feels in her mind.
5. Fussy food habits

18. ● Communication between you and your child always helps in a
difficult situation. When your child behaves in an unacceptable
manner, stay calm.
● Talk to him and explain why the behavior is unacceptable. If you
think the child is upset, encourage him to talk about what is
making him feel that way.
● However, if you notice that bad behavior occurs frequently and
seems to worsen, it is advisable to seek professional help.
● Remember that all too often, behavioral issues are manifestations
of deeper problems that can be identified only by specialized
analyses carried out by a trained person.

19. ● Your child's behavior is a reflection of his state of mind. Rude or
unruly behavior may not necessarily mean he is resorting to it
willingly.
● As a parent, it is up to you to find out the root cause of such
behavior and correct it during the early stages.
● After all, your preschooler needs you the most when he is fighting
with his emotions.

20. Thank You