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Please Don't Do That! How to Handle Inappropriate Toddler Behavior
Your child plunges a finger into his nostril whenever the mood strikes, even when all eyes are on him.
Why he does it: Toddlers are fascinated with their body and its functions, and they won't put off self-exploration simply because other people are around. And since kids this age have limited self-control, they tend to act on every immediate physical urge.
The fast fix: The second you see your toddler's finger near his nose, offer him a tissue and say, "It looks like you need to blow your nose. Here, you can use this." Be nonchalant about it -- if you act disgusted or angry, he may keep picking just to provoke you.
What to say later: Talk about the difference between public and private behavior in simple terms. "Say that private is what you do by yourself at home, and public is what happens at preschool and at the store," says Jay Hoecker, MD, of the Mayo Clinic's Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, in Rochester, Minnesota. Explain that public nose-picking is rude because it makes other people feel uncomfortable. Remind him that if his nose is clogged or itchy, all he has to do is ask you for a tissue.
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@wendyq2- my daughter does the same thing! She has seen her brother "make adjustments" to his privates, which his dad insists is natural, so she does it too. I dont know how to fix it either. We tried sending each of them to the bathroom if they need to fix/itch/wipe their private areas, but they just ran in and out of the bathroom all day. Its becoming an unconsious habit, and I need help too! Answers anyone??
4/13/2011 12:54:35 PM Report AbuseI wish there was more in this article about actions, not just words. My son throws tantrums, or bites and hits people when he gets angry, I need to know how to deal with that, he's not even talking yet!
1/25/2011 12:07:31 PM Report Abuse"Explain that she can share happy family news, but info that may not make people feel good, like a fight, should be kept to herself." I think that is horrible advise! To tel a child not to share something bad only sets them up for emotional problems because they hold in emotions, and also puts them in a position to be abused and obligated not to tell, because it is unhappy news.
10/12/2010 11:23:55 AM Report AbuseExcuse me is in our son's vocab on a regular basis. As a matter of fact he reminds his sisters (18&13) to say it. Now when he bumps into someone he's starting to say excuse me then says "no" I think as a reminder to himself to watch out and be careful. Very Cute
7/29/2010 10:39:38 PM Report AbuseMy four year old is forever playing with her privates. I realise she is exploring her body, as you say about picking her nose, but I worry about infections. Not sure how to discourage it without making her feel ashamed.
4/15/2010 05:46:48 PM Report AbuseI also started my daughter(19months) off with Mannor words such as Please and Thankyou now it is a behavior not an learned effort. I also did this with my son (age 14years) and he still uses these all the time!<:^)
4/13/2010 12:43:02 PM Report AbuseMy son's almost 2 and "please" (aside from "no") is his favorite word as we intentionally give in, at times, when he asks by saying "please." We also re-enforce it by requesting him to say that whenever he wants anything - milk, snacks, toys... but you definitely don't want to give in every time.
3/24/2010 10:16:42 AM Report AbuseMy 3 year old likes to call everyone a butt head and when you tell him to do something or not to do something he does the opposite. He tells everyone all the time "I'm the boss, not mommy and daddy" How do I change his attitude?
3/9/2010 10:30:23 AM Report AbuseMy little one talks alot in school and some of the stuff she says isnt good, how do i stop the negetive to a positive. Her teacher dosnt think is normal. i just think my little talks alot. help!!
2/3/2010 08:53:33 AM Report Abusei love the one about teaching your kids to be polite. my son's first words were thank you. we are still working on please. he has it a little backwards at the moment.
11/17/2009 03:45:35 PM Report Abuse