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Managing behaviour (4 to 6)

Managing behaviour (4 to 6)

The ‘terrible twos’ are now a distant memory (or nightmare), and your child is becoming more able to think for themselves. The great thing about infants is that they have a desire to please adults and they’re even keen to tell tales.

Whose rules?

More adults are coming into your child’s life, including teachers, who are probably the first authority figure your child’s met outside the family. They’re going to be learning rules at school as well as at home, and this may lead to confusion for some children. They’re also going to pick up bad habits from some other children. They might even begin to question your rules compared to those of their friends.

My child’s gone from criminal mastermind to supergrass

At this age you should be explaining the reasons for rules, although your child might not be able to fully grasp these yet. You will be helping with their ability to reason. You can even try role-plays as a way of teaching them how to respond to certain situations.

Right or wrong

Try to understand that the world is very black and white to an infant. You can use that to your advantage to protect against strangers. For example, you can tell them never to go anywhere with an adult without asking you first.

Is it my fault?

Infants tend to believe that if something bad happens to them it’s because of something they’ve done. If you’re separated, make sure your child understands that it’s not because of anything they’ve done.

Catch them being good

Use the desire to please to your advantage by creating praise systems, such as star charts. This positive reinforcement is a great way of increasing your child’s self-esteem.

Your child is now developing into a small adult. Recognise that that’s who you’re beginning to deal with now.