Managing Children’s BehaviorCh. 14

Managing Behavior

• Children of different ages have different needs, and they behave differently to have their needs met

Infants

• Have many physical needs• Crying??? What might it mean?• Diaper Changing…– Why should you never leave a child alone on a

changing table?

Toddlers

• Tend to get into things that can be hazardous• many like to climb can lead to falls• They need to be watched ALL of the time!

Preschoolers

• Need your attention, but they can do more for themselves

• They enjoy when you read to, play with, and talk to them

Older Children

• Some kids think that they’re old enough to take care of themselves

• Be friendly toward them and show a sincere interest in their ideas and activities

• Jealousy issues…• Why might they misbehave?

Clothing

• Dressing themselves is a challenging task for young children

• Most young children and ALL infants need help getting dressed

Infants

• Lost body heat easily• Also sensitive to overheating• Dress them in one layer more than what you

would wear

Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Very mobile and quickly get their clothing dirty• Clothing should be easily removed for toilet

training• Elastic waistbands

Older Preschoolers and School-Age Children

• Able to dress themselves• May need help tying shoes• Have definite likes and

dislikes should be allowed to choose from several clothing options

Mealtime and Snacks

• Find out: What food to serve, when to serve it, and how much to serve

• Find out: food allergies and special diets

Infants

• Feed with a bottle• Put a BIB on them they will

get messy• Formula: room temp or heated – Never use a Microwave! Why?

• Burp after feeding• Older infants: eat baby cereal

or baby food– Be prepared for MESSINESS!!!!– Children will play with the food!

Toddlers

• Eat some regular food• Like simple finger foods• NEVER give them: hard candy,

hot dog rounds, nuts, or anything else that is a CHOKING HAZARD!!!!

Preschoolers• Simple foods: milk, cheese, crackers,

peanut butter, fresh and dried fruit, veggie sticks– Peanut butter is dangerous for kids with nut

allergies

• Avoid foods high in fat and sugar…WHY?

Bedtime

• Often a challenge• Children often protest by crying, climbing out

of bed, making excused to get up for water or rest room visits, then refusing to return to bed

• Ask parents what the bedtime routine is and follow it

• Even if a child is sleeping, they still need your care

Bedwetting

• Very common• Child may need a change of pj’s and sheets

Nightmares

• Bad dream• Children need your help and comfort

Sleepwalking

• Walking while asleep• Occurs in some kiddos age 5-12• Most kids who sleepwalk return to

their own beds• Be sure doors are locked and stairs

are gated