UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR:
- Is this a growth or developmental stage? Each
new phase of growth or development brings
challenges for the child and caregiver. Feeding
and sleeping problems may occur during
developmental transitions, and it helps if
caregivers are extra patient and loving in their
response. It is best to give the child choices,
use humor, and be firm but supportive.
- Is this
an individual or temperament difference? Not all
children of a certain age act the same way. Some
progress developmentally at different rates and
all have their own temperaments that may account
for differences in behavior. Being aware of their
tendencies will help you better understand the
child’s behavior and the way you approach
the behavior.
- Is the environment causing the
behavior? Sometimes the setting provokes a
behavior that may seem inappropriate. An
overcrowded living arrangement coupled with a
lack of toys may increase aggression or spark
jealously. Look at the environment from the
child’s viewpoint.
- Does the child know
what is expected? If a child is in a new or
unfamiliar territory or is facing a new task or
problem, he or she may not know what behavior is
appropriate or expected. For example,
developmentally the child might not understand
the concept of sharing, thus parents must calmly
and patiently keep repeating the message until
the child understands.
- Is the child expressing
unmet emotional needs? Emotional needs that are
unmet are the most difficult causes of behavior
to interpret. If a particular child needs extra
love and attention, rather than withhold it, it
will be helpful to find ways to validate and
acknowledge the child more frequently.
Psychological Services
of St. Augustine, Inc.
Main Office:
1100-1 South Ponce de Leon Boulevard, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Phone (904) 824-7733 Fax (904) 829-9768
Southlake Office: 300
Kingsley Lake Dr, Suite 403 St Augustine, FL 32092
pssa@pssacare.com
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