Helping preschoolers with behavioural issues can be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, you can promote positive behaviour.

At Little Grasshoppers we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care and continue to source and undertake professional development which provides the skills and confidence to manage these situations.

We recently invited AbacusLearning Trainers in to assist our Educators with some tips on maintaining a positive relationship with children who exhibit challenging behaviour.  We’d love to share some of what we learnt…

1. Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routines. Create a daily schedule that includes consistent mealtimes, nap times, playtime, and learning activities. Predictable routines can help reduce anxiety and meltdowns.

2. Set Clear Expectations:

Communicate clear and age-appropriate expectations for behaviour. Use simple language and visuals if necessary to help them understand what is acceptable and what is not.

Laminated step-by-step graphics detailing the process expected for getting ready for meals, preparing for rest time, going to bed etc can be a valuable tool at busy and/or stressful times of the day.

3. Positive Reinforcement:

Praise and reward good behaviour. Offer verbal praise, stickers, small treats, or extra playtime as positive reinforcement when your child behaves well.

4. Redirect and Distract:

When a child exhibits challenging behaviour, try to redirect their attention to a different activity or toy. This can often prevent tantrums or negative behaviour from escalating.

5. Use Time-Outs Sparingly:

Reserve time-outs as a last resort when a child’s behaviour becomes dangerous or unmanageable. Time-outs should be brief and not associated with anger or punishment.

6. Model Good Behaviour:

Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrate the behaviour you want to see in your child. Be a positive role model.  Particularly when the child is aware they have done something irresponsible or outside the limits of acceptable behaviour, observing your calm and consistent reaction can be the best lesson of all to managing their emotions.

7. Consistency is Key:

Ensure that rules and consequences are consistently applied by all caregivers. Inconsistency can confuse children and lead to more behavioural problems.

8. Offer Choices:

Allow children to make simple choices when appropriate. For instance, let them choose between two snacks or two outfits. This can help them feel more in control and reduce frustration.  At Little Grasshoppers we are proponents of child-led learning.  This approach to education fosters positive educator-student relationships. When teachers act as facilitators and collaborators in a child’s learning journey, it can create a supportive and nurturing environment that reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviour.

9. Teach Emotional Regulation:

Help your child identify and express their emotions in a healthy way. Teach them coping strategies like taking deep breaths or counting to ten when they’re upset.  Our Sport & Wellbeing program at Little Grasshoppers teaches age-appropriate mindfulness techniques which assist our children to find the capacity for calm in a moment of mayhem.

10. Stay Calm and Patient:

It’s essential to remain calm when dealing with challenging behaviours. If you react emotionally or with anger, it can escalate the situation. Take deep breaths and use a calm tone of voice.

11. Seek Professional Help if Needed:

If behavioural issues persist or become severe, consider seeking guidance from a paediatrician, child psychologist, or behavioural therapist who can provide specialized strategies and support.

12. Encourage Social Interaction:

Arrange playdates or enroll your child in group activities to help them develop social skills and learn to share and cooperate with others.

13. Limit Screen Time:

Excessive screen time can contribute to behavioural issues. Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage active play and outdoor activities.

14. Practice Patience:

Remember that young children are still learning to control their impulses and emotions. Patience and understanding are key components of effective discipline.

15. Celebrate Small Victories:

Acknowledge and celebrate even small improvements in behaviour. Positive reinforcement can motivate children to continue making good choices.

Always keep in mind that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

At Little Grasshoppers we choose not to conduct time outs but rather redirect, allowing some quiet time or the option to choose another activity.

Remembering always that challenging behaviours give rise to teachable moments for both educators and children. Identifying how to support self-regulation in early childhood is a learning process. Developing the skills to cope and recover from stress and build resiliency is an ongoing lesson.

It may take time to see progress, so be persistent and adapt your strategies to meet your child’s specific needs.  If you’d like to hear more about our strategies at Little Grasshoppers or receive further support or information, please reach out to Alison Loorahm, Head of Training and Operations.

As all parents/carers of Toddlers and Preschoolers can attest to… their specific needs can change, hour to hour and day to day so hang on for the ride – You’ve got this!