When Is Your Child’s Behavior Inappropriate?

So the teacher has told you that your preschooler is kicking, poking, pinching, lying, pushing and scratching. You think, what have I raised? No your child does not become a ravage animal when you are not present and yes you are a good parent. When learning how to socialize children find different ways to communicate with each other. They need to explore the different types of communication both aggressive and non aggressive before really truly understanding what is the social norm. This has nothing to do with what they know is right or wrong. This behavior is truly a means of asking, “Can you play with me” and ” Don’t take my toy.”

The best solution to solving behavior issues is to talk with your child. Don’t punish them again because chances are they were already punished at school. Also punishments a long period of time after the situation occurred really has no impact on a preschooler. If your preschooler won’t tell you what happened ask the teacher so that you may have a clearer picture of the situation when you discuss what occurred at home. Remember, never speak in front of the child and never chastise a child in front of their teacher. This will only lead to further problems.

So when is behavior a problem? If your child is repeatedly biting, or continually physically harming his teachers or peers, you may need to go a little bit further in exploring what is going on with your child. Reasons may vary from something as simple as your child not being ready for school, to the program not being the best fit for your child. Often a child that is acting out in such an extreme negative manner repeatedly is doing so because they are not happy in their environment or really may not have a positive relationship with his classroom teacher. Remember even as an adult, or personalities do not always click with our bosses or managers. Your child may also do better in a smaller program with a lower teacher to child ratio. They may be craving more personal attention and have come to the realization that negative attention is better than no attention at all. The bottom line is to put the needs of your child first. Always look at his verbal and nonverbal behavior’s as his way to communicate. Remember if your child is really acting out in behavior you have never seen before, start digging deeper!