BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

(Aged 5 years and younger)

INTRODUCTION

Your child has been referred to our clinic for assessment of behavior problems.

Disruptive behaviours that you may be concerned about include severe temper tantrums, aggression (i.e. hitting, biting, yelling), and defiance (i.e. “talking back”, not listening, saying ‘no’ when told to do something). These problems can be common and affect an estimated 9% to 15% of preschool-aged children.

Temper tantrums and aggression typically peak at 3 years of age, and for many children, it is a temporary stage that they will grow out of. A lot of development occurs between 2 to 5 years of age, and children can be very different from each other in terms of their ability to control emotions and aggressive impulses in this age group.

Behaviour problems that are outside of the normal range can be a sign of developmental delays (i.e. speech delay), anxiety disorders, poor sleep or eating, or hearing and vision impairments).

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

At the initial visit, the paediatrician will spend 60 minutes with you and your child. Please bring snacks, books, and toys to entertain your child during this time.

During the assessment, the paediatrician will review your child’s:

· Development to screen for any delays in language and communication

· Sleeping and eating patterns

· Fears and anxieties

· Hearing and vision

· Interactions with you as a parent

RESOURCES

While you wait for your initial assessment, we highly recommend looking at the following resources and engaging with community supports in Brant or Haldimand Norfolk County.

Behavioural problems in preschool-aged children is treated through parent behaviour training programs. Medication is not recommended. If possible, please register for these programs before you see the paediatrician.

Community Supports

Parent behaviour training programs include programs like Triple P Parenting.

You can register for these programs locally through:

  • Contact Brant (Brantford)

    Self-refer by calling 519-758-8228 or by email at information@contactbrant.net

  • Haldimand Norfolk REACH (if you live in Haldimand-Norfolk County)

    Self-refer by phoning 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087.

If you are concerned your child has a developmental delay (i.e. speech delay):

  • Call Lansdowne Children’s Centre (if you live in Brantford) Tel: 519-753-3153

  • Call Haldimand-Norfolk REACH (if you live in Haldimand-Norfolk County) Tel: 519-587-2441

    or 1-800-265-8087.

OTHER RESOURCES

Books

  • “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12)” by Dr. Thomas Phelan

  • “Raising Your Spirited Child” by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

  • “Connected Parenting: How to Raise a GREAT Kid” by Jennifer Kolari

TIPS FOR POSITIVE PARENTING AND DISCIPLINE

Caring for Kids - Positive Discipline for Young Children - Handout

  • Be calm, fair, and consistent. If you respond differently in similar situations or to similar behaviours, children will be confused. They won’t know what to expect

  • For young children, behaviour is a way to communicate. When a child behaves in a challenging way, it’s important to understand what led to the behaviour. Ask yourself:

    -Do they need something—food, a nap, or some down time with you?

    -What happened before and right after the behaviour?

    -Is your child responding to something in their environment? Examples include noise, other children, or a perceived threat.

    -Are they stressed in some way?

    -Are they expected to do something that is beyond their skill or developmental level? For example, asking toddlers to share.

  • Connect with your child when they have challenging behaviours so that it strengthens your relationship with your child. Ways you can do this include:

    -Use “I” statements such as: “I don’t like it when you do that,” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”

    -Sit with your child and talk about their feelings and behaviour, in an age-appropriate way.

    -Acknowledge your child’s feelings (“I can see that you’re upset”), even when they’re misbehaving. It shows you respect them.

    -To avoid saying “no” too often, find other ways to express what you’re trying to communicate. For example, if a child hits, say: “Hands to your side”; if a child yells, say: “Use a quiet voice.”

    -Be comforting. For example, get below or at a child’s eye level, offer a gentle nod or touch, or an empathetic look.

    -Listen, and do not argue. Then repeat what your child says back to them. It shows you’re paying attention and have heard what they have to say.

    -Be consistent: Say what you mean; mean what you say; and follow through on what you say you were going to do.

  • Redirection—switching from one activity to another—works well with toddlers and sometimes older children.

  • Use “time ins” (i.e .invite your child to sit and talk to you about their feelings and behaviour) rather than time outs

    -Time outs can be used only for children older than 3 years old and should be short (i.e. 3 minutes for 3 year old child, 4 minutes for 4 year old children) and brief


    Physical punishment—spanking, slapping, hitting, or shaming—can hurt children both physically and emotionally, and should never be used.