Most toddlers go through periods where they’re trying out new behaviors to test your reaction. Our instinct as parents is to tell them “no” and to stop the behavior immediately, either because we think it’s wrong or other people think it’s wrong and we’re embarrassed in public.
The more you tell a kid that their behavior is wrong, the more they want to do it. After all, they’re getting a reaction from you – which is all they really want. To change the behavior, you need to connect with your child and shift the “bad” behavior into a fun and silly behavior.
Screaming
If your child likes to scream loudly and this is bothersome to you because you’re in a public place or because it simply hurts your ears, teach your child to scream with no sound. Together, open your mouths really wide as if you are screaming but teach him or her to be silent. Silent screams are silly to kids and you can do this together.
Hitting parents or siblings
If your child goes through a hitting phrase as many kids do, you can suggest that instead of hitting, your child tickles you in the chin and when they do, you let out a huge laugh. Toddlers will find this hilarious and it is a redirection from hitting and a way for you to connect instead of reprimand.
Find out how to change your child's 7 most annoying behaviors on Parent.co.
The more you tell a kid that their behavior is wrong, the more they want to do it. After all, they’re getting a reaction from you – which is all they really want. To change the behavior, you need to connect with your child and shift the “bad” behavior into a fun and silly behavior.
Screaming
If your child likes to scream loudly and this is bothersome to you because you’re in a public place or because it simply hurts your ears, teach your child to scream with no sound. Together, open your mouths really wide as if you are screaming but teach him or her to be silent. Silent screams are silly to kids and you can do this together.
Hitting parents or siblings
If your child goes through a hitting phrase as many kids do, you can suggest that instead of hitting, your child tickles you in the chin and when they do, you let out a huge laugh. Toddlers will find this hilarious and it is a redirection from hitting and a way for you to connect instead of reprimand.
Find out how to change your child's 7 most annoying behaviors on Parent.co.
