Responding to Not-So-Great Behaviors
As your engaging infant becomes a delightful baby, they start to learn that their actions can affect others. Blowing kisses and waving hello can lead to big smiles from friends and family, while biting or hitting leads to frowns and tears. Your role is to teach your child to minimize conflict by understanding what behaviors are appropriate and safe, and what behaviors are not.
Set Clear Expectations Early On
While there is little chance of a newborn pinching a sibling or running into the street, it is never too early to establish basic safety rules and routines in your house. Telling your baby or little one to “pet the dog nicely and gently” and to “share with others” teaches them to act in a safe manner and to get along well with others.
Remember…
Physical punishment is never an appropriate punishment for unwanted behaviors.
- Staying calm is your job – and it’s not always easy. Stress can cloud our ability to think clearly about a situation. When your baby is shrieking and squirming, try your best to stay calm and assess the problem.
- Crying, screeching, biting, and hitting are all ways that babies respond to anger or distress. And why wouldn’t they? It feels great to scream when you’re angry! But shouting or lashing out increases conflict between siblings, parents, or caregivers, instead of lessening feelings of frustration.
- Talk out loud about the other safety rules. Saying, “No hitting or biting! That hurts others,” and, “Don’t pull hair! Be gentle,” draws attention to important guidelines that reduce conflict.