Having a toddler is one of the most fulfilling and sometimes challenging periods. Our little ones grow quickly in terms of body, brain, and emotions between the ages of one and three. They are experimenting with boundaries, learning to be independent, and learning language, and all this can, of course, result in some problematic conduct.
If you have any doubts or you cannot understand certain behaviors, you may talk to the best pediatric doctor in Siliguri City or near you. You're not the only one who has ever questioned why your toddler behaves sometimes strangely, like refusing to share toys, or lashes out in the grocery store.
These actions are common during the developmental phase. Responding patiently and empathetically can be simpler if you know what's causing them. This blog shares ten common child behavior issues, along with their actual causes and helpful solutions.
#1 Frequent Tantrums
It manifests as sobbing, yelling, stomping, or even flinging oneself to the ground. Tantrums occur because toddlers lack the emotional maturity and vocabulary necessary to communicate their irritation, rage, or disappointment. Overwhelming emotions often manifest in these ways because their brains are still learning how to regulate themselves.
How you can deal with it:
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Remain composed; it will help them relax.
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Acknowledge their emotions and comfort them with age-appropriate words.
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While providing consolation, keep your distance (you don't have to give in).
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To help them speak more effectively, gradually give them words for emotions.
#2 Constantly Saying No
Not wanting to eat, go to bed, dress, or even do things they truly want; these are very common. What it actually means is that a toddler uses saying "no" to show control and test their independence. Children are learning at this age that they are unique people with free will.
How you can deal with it:
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Provide a small selection ("Do you want the blue shirt or the red shirt?").
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Save "no" for crucial management and avoid pointless power struggles.
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Allow them to make choices in a secure environment.
#3 Throwing Things
You may have seen toddlers throwing food, toys, or even everyday objects. Basically, what it means is that toddlers are investigating cause and effect ("This falls if I drop it!"). Another technique to let out pent-up energy or vent frustration is to throw.
How you can deal with it:
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Show acceptable throwing objects, such as beanbags or soft balls.
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Explain politely but forcefully that you shouldn't hurl food or hard items.
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Encourage physical activities such as outdoor play, climbing, and jogging.
#4 Refusing to Share
This manifests as screaming when another kid or toddler touches their belongings, shrieking "mine," or stealing toys from siblings. Toddlers are not yet developmentally prepared for sharing, which is a sophisticated social skill. Thus, they are inherently self-centered and are only now starting to grasp the concept of ownership.
How you can deal with it:
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Instead of anticipating complete sharing, encourage taking turns.
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Share yourself as an example.
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When they do share, acknowledge their little efforts.
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It's a skill that comes with age, so have patience.
#5 Clinginess and Separation Anxiety
Constantly wanting to be held, crying when you leave the room, or refusing to attend daycare is no surprise to parents. Between the ages of 12 and 24 months, separation anxiety peaks. As they become more aware of the environment, your toddler learns that you can be absent, which can be frightening. You might seek guidance from your doctor at the best child hospital in Siliguri or near you.
How you can deal with it:
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Start with brief intervals and work your way up to longer ones.
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Establish customs for saying goodbye, such as waving and hugging.
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Tell them you'll be back.
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They will eventually realize that you are dependable if you remain consistent.
#6 Bedtime Battles
Waking up several times, refusing to go to bed, or putting off pleas for one more story is a common toddler thing. They fight bedtime because they find transitions difficult or because they don't want to miss out on the fun. Overtiredness can sometimes make settling down even more difficult.
How you can deal with it:
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Create a relaxing bedtime ritual that includes a bath, a reading, and cuddling.
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Maintain a regular routine.
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Provide consolation while promoting self-soothing.
- Avoid excessive stimulation (such as screens or rough play) right before bed.
#7 Hitting, Biting, or Pushing
Snapping at parents, siblings, or other kids is common in toddlers’ behavior. Your little one lacks the impulse control necessary to consistently handle strong emotions. Frustration, a lack of communication skills, or even curiosity about the response are common causes of these aggressive behaviors.
How you can deal with it:
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Remain composed yet firm by saying we don't hit because it hurts to hit.
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If necessary, carefully remove them from the circumstance.
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Use your words like “Say stop”.
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Set an example of empathy and gentle touch.
#8 Food Refusal and Picky Eating
You may see your toddler spitting things out, eating only a few foods, or refusing meals. Toddlers' appetites regularly change, and being fussy about what they eat is frequently a sign of their independence. That’s why they might also have heightened sensitivity to flavors, textures, or scents.
How you can deal with it:
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Continue to provide a range of healthful foods without feeling obligated.
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Set an example by consuming the same stuff.
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Refrain from making lunch a struggle.
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Recall that kids may need several exposures before they are receptive to new foods.
#9 Not Listening to Instructions
They refuse outright, don't listen, or keep playing when you ask them to clean up. Here, toddlers frequently "ignore" because they are either testing boundaries or are absorbed in their activities. Occasionally, they just don't comprehend the request.
How you can deal with it:
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Before you give them instructions, get on their level and look them in the eye.
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Make use of plain, uncomplicated terminology.
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At a time, give one instruction.
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To promote more cooperation, give it praise.
#10 Repeatedly Testing Limits
Climbing at a dangerous place, touching the outlet despite being advised not to, or acting contrary to instructions are often seen in toddlers’ activities. The true meaning is that toddlers are inherently curious. They learn what is safe and where boundaries are by testing the rules. It's a natural aspect of brain growth, not a sign of disobedience.
How you can deal with it:
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Establish definite, dependable guidelines.
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Switch to safer substitutes.
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When kids obey the rules, give them praise.
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Pick your battles and concentrate on safety and important guidelines.
However, every difficult behavior actually tells us this is normal development. Clinginess indicates that they are developing strong ties, tantrums indicate that they are learning how to manage their emotions, and pushing boundaries indicates that their curiosity is flourishing.
You can get expert advice on better management from the best pediatric doctor in Siliguri City, Dr. Prince Parakh. Parents should react to these behaviors with empathy, patience, and techniques that support toddlers' development into self-assured, emotionally stable adults by knowing why they are doing these.
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