How do I navigate children’s behaviour in 2024?
In 2024, the landscape of parenting continues to evolve, and so do the methods used to guide a child’s challenging behaviour. When it comes to our youngest children, testing the boundaries and expressing autonomy is a normal and important part of development. It’s through this that a toddler is learning that they are an autonomous being in the world and developing a healthy sense of themselves as an individual. And an adult’s role in this is crucial in fostering healthy social and emotional development, building self-regulation and instilling values that last a lifetime. As a certified professional in parenting and early childhood education, I offer insights into behaviour guidance that align to latest understandings around child developmental and child-centered approaches to caregiving.
1. Understanding and Empathy: Effective behaviour guidance starts with understanding your child’s perspective. Parents and educators need to recognize the emotions and motivations behind a child’s behaviour and recognise that behaviour is often a cry for a deeper need to be met. My parenting courses and support promote empathy and emotional intelligence as key components to effectively supporting behavioural challenges. By understanding your child’s feelings, you can address the root cause of their behavior, rather than just the behavior itself.
2. Positive Reinforcement Over Punishment: In 2024, the focus has shifted towards positive reinforcement rather than punitive measures. By taking time to acknowledge a child’s positive behaviours, both big and small, we empower them to feel valued and worthy and reinforces the desired behaviours. This can be as simple as specific verbal praise, such as “Thank you for helping me set the table.” or “I like the way you played together so peacefully.”
3. Setting Clear and Consistent Boundaries: Children thrive with clear and consistent boundaries, and my family support services acknowledge the importance of this. By setting reasonable, age-appropriate limits, and maintaining these with love and clarity, children feel secure in knowing that they are being kept safe by a caring adult.
4. Problem-Solving & Social Skills: Behaviour guidance offers children the opportinity to learn to solve problems and develop social skills. Giving them some time and space to safely work through frustration and peer conflict themselves (with a trusted adult close by to step in when needed), enables children to develop skills of perserverance, empathy and find solutions to challenges. This empowers them to develop a positive sense of themselves as capable and confident.
5. Seeking Help When Needed: Sometimes, parents need external support in meeting their child’s behaviour, and there’s absolutely no shame in that. Reach out today for an Allied Parenting 1:1 Session or ECE Mentoring.
While it can be deeply challenging in the moment, behaviour guidance in 2024 is about preparing children for the future by nurturing individuality, emotional and social skills and self-regulation. My parenting and teaching courses and resources are here to support you in this journey, providing the latest in research, alongside practical tools to help you navigate the challenges of modern-day caregiving.