Tiredness and hunger can be dealt with relatively easily by allowing the child to sleep and offering food.

Boredom is often a trigger for unwanted behaviour and this can be avoided by provided the child with adequate toys and activities to stimulate them. Remember that a child does not always need expensive toys and games you are the best toy a child can have. Encourage the child to use their imagination, involve them in activities suitable for their age and stage of development and most importantly take into account their personal preferences.
Remember, setting a task or activity which is too complex for the child’s age is just as bad as not setting a task at all. The child will quickly loose interest in an activity that is too difficult for them to complete. Have realistic expectations of what the child can achieve and set your activity around their ability.

Illness can be another trigger for unacceptable behaviour and this is something you have little control over. A child who is feeling unwell may be irritable and unable to concentrate. You should make them as comfortable as possible, give them lots of love and affection and seek medical advice if necessary. A child who is unwell and unable to take part in activities or conduct themselves appropriately should not be in an early years setting.

Feelings of fear and anxiety are often apparent in young children and can be caused by very simple things like a change in routine. Children need the security of a routine and sometimes even small changes can upset them. Whilst some children cope admirably with big changes such as starting playgroup or nursery others take a while to settle in. you need to make sure that the child’s confidence is boosted and give lots of praise and encouragement. Sometimes, even with careful planning, you cannot prevent a child from feeling scared or anxious. Events which are planned such as starting nursery or school should be talked about well in advance. Talk positively about the teachers, classroom etc and, if possible, arrange visits to the school prior to the first day so that they can be eased into the situation slowly and be familiar with the surroundings. Books can be very good for helping children become accustomed to the changes ahead. Other factors which may cause fear or anxiety are not always so easy to prepare for. Thunderstorms for example are spontaneous and can occur without warning. Many young children are afraid of the loud noises of the thunder and become frightened and anxious. Reassurance is needed when a child has these kinds of feelings and they should never be ridicules or told to “snap out of it”.

Frustration can occur in anyone, at any age. As adults we try to control our frustration when we are confronted with bad service, poor driving, terrible weather, traffic jams etc. however children are less able to show reason and when frustrated they tend to lose their temper and lash out. Frustration can be caused by a lack of ability to communicate. Children know what they want long before they are able to tell us, they can often become frustrated. Frustration often leads to tantrums. Taking the time to listen to the child and respond to their needs will help to eliminate these feelings.

A child who is restricted may behave inappropriately. Children need space and freedom to run about and express themselves. A child who has been cooped up indoors all day for example may be full of pent up energy bursting for release. Allow the child to play outside whenever possible. Children can play outside whenever possible. Children can play outside even in the winter months and, on particularly wet days, why not dress appropriately in water proofs and wellingtons and run through the puddles. The children will love it and there’s no rule that says outdoor play is only for when the sun is shining!

Using common sense and looking at the needs and requirements of the child will enable you to successfully manage a child’s behaviour. Planning ahead and anticipating their needs may eliminate the problem all together.