Behavior Archives | Sleeping Should Be Easy

When Your 3 Year Old’s Behavior Is Out of Control

May 13, 2021

Struggling with your child hitting or not listening? Learn how to discipline when your 3 year old's behavior is out of control. Many of us were warned about the "Terrible Twos," but they don't always tell you about what happens after. The days when your 3 year old talks back, is aggressive and mean (of course, only toward you), or won't listen to anything you say. When no amount of timeouts or taking privileges away does anything. Or when she totally ignores what you say, or yells "I don't care!" Maybe she bites, hits, and scratches when she doesn't get what she wants, or whines and … [Read more...]

What to Do when Your Child Throws Public Tantrums

Behavior

Apr 10, 2021

Dealing with meltdowns can be more challenging in front of others. From parties to restaurants, learn what to do during public tantrums. I'd be at a family party, with relatives and friends around, or at the zoo, trying to placate my kiddo as he rolled on the floor. Maybe the scene erupts at a restaurant, as strangers peer our way and wonder what in the world is going on. My kids have tested me in front of others, and no doubt it can be embarrassing. If they're not kicking their legs, they're throwing things or yelling. They don't always act like this, but they've all hit a stage when … [Read more...]

The Biggest Reason Parents Should Stand Their Ground

Behavior

Jan 23, 2021

It's tough to enforce rules when kids throw a tantrum. But learn the one big reason parents should stand their ground during these meltdowns. Imagine throwing a tantrum... and getting everything you demanded. You might think this is ideal for your child, but being too lenient can often lead to adverse consequences. Giving in all the time may lead her to believe that negative actions are the way to get anything. She learns that throwing a fit means mom and dad break down and oblige. So, she'll use this method more often than not to get what she wants. The thing is, kids are incapable … [Read more...]

How to Help Your Angry Child

Behavior

Dec 27, 2020

Dealing with meltdowns can be difficult, but it's during these times your angry child NEEDS you. Here are strategies to help you handle it. My kids had been so excited to work on the school garden. You couldn't peel them away from digging and turning the soil. Other than the occasional snack, they wanted to keep shoveling and pulling weeds. And then it happened: One of them didn't want to leave. Whereas the other two were ready to go home, he wanted to stay and dig. So, my husband and I did the typical moves: we showed empathy and tried to make the transition light. We even gave him … [Read more...]

Toddler Not Listening? 10 Things You Need to Do

Behavior

Dec 19, 2020

Struggling with your toddler not listening and behaving? You're not alone. Discover 10 things to do to get kids to listen without yelling. My then-toddler sat flipping through a book when I called, "Breakfast time!" He ran to the dining room, with the book in hand. "You can put the book on the couch," I suggested. We typically don't allow other items at the dining table when we're eating meals, even books. "Then, you can have it after you're done eating," I continued. "No!" he shouted, adamant about bringing the book to the table. This went back and forth, with him insisting on … [Read more...]

How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids

Behavior

Dec 16, 2020

Do you struggle with losing your temper and raising your voice? Learn how to stop yelling at your kids, control your anger, and stay patient. My son felt terrified of taking a bath and wanted out. He was shrieking, clamoring over the tub's edge, and flailing around an already-slippery tub. I didn't have my A-game on, because if I did, I would've consoled him and showed much-needed empathy. I would've acknowledged his feelings or skip the bath entirely. Instead, I stood my stubborn ground and refused to let him leave the tub. I scrubbed him all over and toweled him off, both of … [Read more...]

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