Understanding Toddler Behaviour

Why is understanding toddler behaviour so important? If we know what is going on in our little one's head then it keeps us calmer when they start playing up.

Remember that toddlers have neither the self-awareness nor the language to communicate what makes them tick - we just have to work it out for ourselves.

The good news is that, in many ways, young children are very predictable, and this makes understanding toddler behaviour so much easier.

Need Some Answers - And Fast? Why toddlers misbehave The truth about attention seeking The coded message behind all so called 'naughtiness' Find out more here

It's Hard Being A Toddler

Imagine you get a job in a country on the other side of the world, where you understand only some of the language and culture.

On your first day at work, the computers use a programme you've never seen before - but you don't know how to ask for help. People try to tell you when the lunch break is - but the clocks all seem to run backwards.

This is how toddlers often feel - everything is new to them. Walking has given them a new lease of life but there's no set of instructions to go with it.

Could you honestly say you wouldn't have a tantrum under these circumstances?

Six Reasons For Problem Toddler Behaviour

• Frustration
• Attention Seeking
• Fear of separation
• Jealousy
• Curiosity
• Tiredness, illness and unusual emotional upset (eg divorce)

Next time your little treasure starts raising hell, ask yourself what is going on for them. This does not mean that you should let them get away with wreaking havoc - but it will help you deal with problems more calmly.

Not All 'Bad' Behaviour Is Really Bad

There is no doubt that toddlers can be manipulative and sly at times.

However, some of what appears to be misbehaving is not intentional and actually quite innocent.

Tiredness and emotional upset are pretty easy to spot. As well as these, look out for:

Life is full of such moments for toddlers: not being able to communicate properly, learning new games and puzzles, climbing, riding a trike...the list is endless.

It is best to patiently help your frustrated child in this situation. He simply doesn't have the experience to know that he will master all these skills eventually.

It is up to you to keep dangerous/expensive/breakable things out of the toddler's sight, not just reach.

Unfortunately we cannot keep the oven or busy roads out of reach. Constant supervision and explanations are needed.

Routines also help - crossing the road is now a ritual for me and my toddler: Hold hands - "Any cars?" - "Walk, don't run".

Never expect toddlers to control their curiosity - you'll have as much success as you would organising a snowstorm in the middle of a heatwave.

Younger Toddlers

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