It is the parents who set the standards for the child as to what can and cannot be done. It is therefore worth introducing a few rules to make the relationship clear for the child and parent.

Many parents are familiar with the problem of their child's unbearable behaviour. Young children, unfamiliar with ethical norms and the rules of good or appropriate behaviour, "test" the environment and adults to see where the boundaries are.[1]

Where do children's naughty behaviours come from?

From a parent's need to be the centre of attention. Often children do not want to eat, clean up their toys or stand (sit) in a certain place. Parents then move on to explaining and convincing. Children can also be unbearable when they are bored. This is when all the noisy play, peeking where they are not allowed or dropping something that falls down noisily, draws the attention of a parent who is otherwise occupied.[2]

What should you look out for?

It is important to set rules and to follow them. We talk about what is allowed and what is not and react when a rule is broken. Here it is worth following the rules consistently and reacting every time a child tries to break a rule or breaks a rule.

photo: pantherstock

It is extremely important, although very difficult, even for adults to control their feelings and emotions. It is not always the case that when a child cries it means that he or she is being naughty. In such a situation, it is important to express understanding for the child's feelings by explaining that certain things are not to be done, i.e. when a child tries to destroy something in anger, it is important to point out other ways of venting the anger (e.g. hitting a pillow instead of the parent).