Behavior Management

  Behavior management for small children is essential to set a good pattern of habits for later years. Some issues such as thumb sucking, biting, need for comforters and tantrums can be easier to manage when started young.

  For babies under 1 year of age it is not possible to spoil them therefore behavior management is not a relevant issue at this stage. However, by responding promptly to their first cries will create security in their lives as their needs are met promptly and they learn to trust their environment resulting in a contented baby.

  After one, one and a half - two years children can be spoilt and need firm guidance for behaviour management. Shouting at small children is not beneficial except in situations of danger eg crossing busy roads. Otherwise, consulting with them privately away from crowds is beneficial with lots of praise for good behaviour and positive reinforcements.

Comforters:

  Small children need comfort and comforters especially in stressful times such as the arrival of a new baby or new and strange surroundings, moving house or staying at the babysitters.

Security blankets:

  Small children like to suck cloths, blankets or soft toys until they get very smelly and can create an upheaval when mum tries to wash it. The best thing to do is to keep a spare blanket or cloth for them to use and try to air it in the hot sun to kill germs without washing away the critical smell.

Thumb sucking:

  It is not harmful for children under the age of 4 years to be engaged in thumb sucking. After 8 years old, Professional help is needed as the teeth may suffer misalignment causing the need for the Orthodontics. Excessive thumb sucking can be a Psychological problem but it is properly turned into a habit which can be dealt with by giving the child extra cuddles and attention. They may feel left out when the new sibling arrives taking over the parents attention which they had enjoyed solely before. By including the older child's help with the new babies' routines will help in the inclusion process. She can help in small ways such as passing the nappy to mum or just being with mummy and her new sibling.

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