Developmental growth follows a predictable pattern for most children, but preschoolers -- children between ages 2 and 5 -- demonstrate wide variability in how their cognitive, social and emotional development progresses. Preschoolers can feel overwhelmed by this period of rapid change and act out in response to frustration. In a study published in the June 2008 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings," researchers found that about 20 percent of preschool children exhibit severe behavioral problems. Flexible parents learn to modify behavioral interventions to help their children learn self-control and the rules of socially appropriate behavior.
Step 1
Select one or two inappropriate behaviors to change; avoid making too many changes simultaneously. Phrase a few rules in a positive format related to the selected behaviors and make sure that your preschool child understands the consequences of breaking the rules.
Step 2
Anticipate specific times and scenarios that serve as behavioral triggers for your child. Action strategies avert potential dilemmas. Avoid a melt-down by preventing its occurrence.
Step 3
Implement a reward system for good behavior. Choose rewards appropriate for your child's age and personality. Examples of behavior rewards include stickers, a special bedtime story or earning points toward a special activity or toy. Some children will work simply for some of your time or praise.
Step 4
Teach your preschooler to use language to solve her problems. Help her to identify and verbalize feelings before she acts upon them. Present hypothetical problem situations and ask her how to solve the problems with words.
Step 5
Defuse an escalating situation by offering your child reasonable choices. For example, let her select whether she wants a grilled cheese or tuna fish sandwich for lunch. Making choices distracts preschool children from their immediate source of frustration and gives them an opportunity to regain equilibrium.
Tips and Warnings
- Seek help for behaviors that harm people and property. Physical symptoms, such as headaches and changes in appetite or sleep habits, signal problems that require consultation with your child's pediatrician.
References
- Family Education: Preschoolers and Bad Behavior; Nancy Witting
- Scholastic: Preschool Struggles
- New York University Child Study Center: About Discipline - Helping Children Develop Self-Control; Anita Gurian, Robin F. Goodman
- University of Michigan Health System: Behavior Problems; Kyla Boyse; April 2011
- "Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings": Implementation of Effective Treatments of Preschool Behavior Problems in a Clinic Setting; M.E. Axelrad, et al.; June 2008
- FamilyDoctor: Child Behavior -- What Parents Can Do to Change Their Child's Behavior
