Causes of Behavioral Problems

Causes of Behavioral Problems Overstimulation Breaks in Routines Noise Waiting Time Frustration Physical Problem Stress

Overstimulation Playing with other children Limit the number of children in activity areas Holidays/celebrations Too many activities planned

Breaks in Routine Routines are very important Confusion occurs when routines are not followed Explain planned activities Alternate between quiet and active activities Talk to the kids ahead of time when there is going to be a planned activity Give kids 5 minutes transition time

Noise Effects every child differently To control noise level, control the volume of CDs, records, tapes Control your own voice

Waiting Time Children behave poorly when they have to wait Manage time wisely Cut down on waiting time by being prepared

Frustration Frustration: The feeling of defeat or discouragement causing tension Activities need to be developmentally appropriate. Plan active and quiet activities Purchase several of the same toys Select equipment to match developmental level Let the child select their own activities – forcing a child to participate can cause tension

Physical Problems Can cause tension and behavioral problems Can be overly-active and tense due to health problems Medication can affect behavior Poor and inadequate nutrition can affect behavior Motor skills and motivation are also affected Prolonged/reoccurring illnesses can cause frequent absences Aggressive children need calming influences

Stress Body’s reaction to physical and emotional danger Occasional stress is normal Constant, prolonged, or piling up stressors threatens a child’s ability to cope

Foundation Children watch how their parents deal with stress. Children will vary how they handle stress Negative coping skills they may be more prone to stress, prone to more illness, withdrawn, angry, aggressive, nervous. Positive coping skills they are more resilient – bounce back quickly

Stress Negative Positive Separation or divorce of parents Abuse, neglect Rejection fights Parties Holiday Vacation Over night stay with friend New pet Birth of sibling

Day Care School can cause stress Starting in a new place Getting a new teacher Moving to a new room Poor quality Program Insufficient child/adult ratio Lack of toys/materials

Family Stressors/Crisis Family serve as a buffer or a stressor Family can be positive or negative Harmony within the family Stress disrupts the harmony Stress can strain a family relationship Children can sense the stress

Family crisis

Family Stressors Children need security and predictability If it is lacking children become irritable, may have problems with eating and sleeping, become clingy or demanding Stressor can be temporary – loss of a job Permanent – divorce or death Constantly active – sometimes the kids needs are overlooked Families need time to unwind with each other

Family Stresses Children will react differently depending on how threatening the stress is Some children feel guilty that they are the reason for a separation, divorce, etc. This can cause stress Reassure children that the stress is not the child’s fault

Effects of Stress Prolonged stress in early childhood can undermine healthy brain development Consistent, predictable and responsive care is needed “Good beginnings can last a lifetime” Healthy relationships promote brain growth and social attachment Children who have strong parental attachment have fewer behavior problems and the parent is their buffer to stress

Window of opportunity Neuroscientists say that from birth to age three is when children learn to control emotions and cope with stress Lack of experiences, lack of bonding will have a significant impact on the child Abuse, neglect, constant stress can cause the body to release chemicals that impact the brains wiring Cause smaller brain size, diminished ability to control emotions and behavior. Harder to form lasting relationships

Signs of Stress • Regression-behaviors that where typical earlier stages of development (toileting, thumb sucking) • Baby talk stuttering • Tattling Indigestion • Fingernail biting Teeth grinding

Communicating with Families about Stress Two way communications is important Ask parents to keep teachers informed of family stressors Parents and teachers can help with the stress children may experience Work with the family to help the child and address the troubling behavior Be sensitive to the parent who may also be under stress

Helping Children Cope Children lack the skills to understand and handle pressure Observe the child Don’t be overly critical of behaviors. It can lead to more stress on the child Talk to the child about their feelings Offer comfort and encouragement Teach coping behaviors Correct any misconceptions the child may have Make them feel worthwhile and positive

Negativism The cutest argument ever Charlotte saying no Charlie bit my finger

Tattling Typical behavior of children Tattlers may be insecure Tattlers may want attention Teachers find tattling irritating Build child’s self-esteem Make one on one time for each child Positive reinforcement will help reduce the need for tattling

Exploring the Body Common for one year to explore genitals during diaper changing As they gain control of body functions they begin to become more curious about those parts Three year olds know the differences between the sexes Four year olds may hold their genitals when they need to use the restroom Five year olds may begin to manipulate genitals How to handle?

Thumbsucking About half of all infants suck their thumbs 18 months it reaches its peak Starts to taper of to naptime or bedtime only Most children will outgrow by six or seven How to handle thumbsucking?

Fear • By age three most children have some kind of fear • Real or imaginary • Fear of the unknown • Common fears • Falling from high places • Putting face in water • The dark • People in uniforms • Sirens • Animals

Causes of Behavioral Problems