Smacking may stop a child doing what they're doing at that moment, but it does not have a lasting positive effect.Ĭhildren learn by example so, if you hit your child, you're telling them that hitting is OK. Say something like, 'Well done for putting your toys back in the box when I asked you to.'ĭo not give your child a reward before they've done what they were asked to do. If your child behaves well, tell them how pleased you are. For example, praise them or give them their favourite food for tea. You can help your child by rewarding them for good behaviour. You can let your child know when you're pleased by giving them attention, a hug or a smile. Tell your child when you're pleased about something they've done. When a child's behaviour is difficult, the things they do well can be overlooked. Once your child can talk, encourage them to explain why they're angry or upset. This will help them feel less frustrated.

For example, explain why you want them to hold your hand while crossing the road. It can help if they understand why you want them to do something. Talk to your childĬhildren do not have to be able to talk to understand. Move on to other things you can both enjoy or feel good about as soon as possible.įind other ways to cope with your frustration, like talking to other parents. It's impossible not to show your irritation sometimes, but try to stay calm. When your child does something annoying time after time, your anger and frustration can build up.

It's also important that everyone close to your child deals with their behaviour in the same way. If you react to your child's behaviour in one way one day and a different way the next, it's confusing for them. It's good to have someone to talk to about what you're doing. Get support from your partner, a friend, another parent or your health visitor. Once you've decided to do something, continue to do it. Children notice when you do not mean what you're saying. If you do something you do not believe in or that you do not feel is right, it probably will not work.

What you do has to be right for your child, yourself and the family. If problem behaviour is causing you or your child distress, or upsetting the rest of the family, it's important to deal with it. Often it's just because they're tired, hungry, overexcited, frustrated or bored. There are lots of possible reasons for difficult behaviour in toddlers and young children.

Teens react to the angry red button