Behavior Management in Small Children.

Behavior management in small children covers issues such as biting, tantrums, sharing or turn taking. The experts advocate positive reinforcement as the best way. Looking for the good points to praise children and playing down the undesirable behaviors is a good strategy.

Behavior Management Points:

• Be Positive. Look for good behavior and constantly praise your child. Use specific praise such as 'I like the way you helped mummy today', 'You finished all your food on your plate today, Well done!'
• Try not to have too many rules.
• Hide expensive furniture away so it won't cause anxiety as baby spills food on it or Junior runs his toy cars over it. Childproof your place for a happy, less stress environment!
• use play with chores. They will associate picking up their toys as an honor and privilege! I have witnessed this done and have adopted it since. Start picking up the toys yourself and put them in the bucket and say 'It's now your turn', 'I have picked up more toys then you', making it a fun game.
• make time to play with your child, especially when you are busy. She will continue playing with the blocks and leave you alone with your chores.
• Sharing: To Share or Not to Share? Some children are not ready to share until much older. Even some adults are still not ready to share so why do we expect young children to do so? To avoid conflicts with visitors' children, it is best to put away toys that may the cause of contentions, but praise your child when they show signs of sharing with others.

References: Berk, 'Child Development'