Understanding Kids? Behavior
Children have certain habits that can be annoying for adults. The most common habits that kids have are nail biting, thumb sucking, hair twirling and nose picking. Some habits can be bothersome and some can even be a cause for worry. But parents should not worry too much as most habits are just phases in the normal development process of your child and is not really a cause for alarm.
So, what is a habit? This is a pattern of behavior that is repeated, and the person usually isn?t even aware of it. Thus, your children may not be aware of their habits that annoy you. So don?t be surprised if they start nail biting or hair pulling.
But what causes these habits? Why do your son or daughter puts their finger in their mouth? Why does your daughter keep twirling her hair? Researchers admit that the cause of a habit is unknown. But studies have shown that habits are learned behavior that usually provides a positive outcome for the child.
Some habits develop as entertainment for a bored child. But this can also be a coping mechanism for anxiety. Thus, the next time you see your child nail biting or hair twirling, it?s best if you try to recall if your child has recently had a stressful experience. This might be your child?s attempt to relieve tension.
There are also habits that are remnants of a child?s infancy. In infants, for example, thumb sucking is a common self-comfort behavior that has pleasurable associations with feedings and the end of hunger. Thus, this can linger into childhood as this has positive associations.
There are also researches that show nail biting having a strong familial or genetic component. But other kids engage in some habits to attract attention or as an attempt to manipulate their parents. If kids feel that their parents are ignoring them, they may engage in the annoying habit.
So, how should parents cope with their child?s behavior? One way that parents can do is to calmly point out what you don?t like about the behavior and why. This is recommended for parents with 3 to 4 years of age. This can help increase awareness of the problem. The most important thing is that when you see your child doing his or her habit again, don?t scold or lecture. Punishment ridicule or criticism can cause the behavior to increase.
Parents can also involve their children in the process of breaking the habit. Parents can ask their kids what they think they could do to stop the habit or if they want to stop the habit. Parents can also try suggesting alternative behaviors for their unusual habits. Reward and praise are also helpful to stop your child from doing the habit. And lastly be consistent in rewarding good behavior. The new positive habit that your child has should be firmly established before the old one would disappear. Thus, parents are an important component to help kids, break their habits.
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