Some misbehaviour is normal for all children. They may be testing your limits or expressing their frustra[1]tion. Any me a child misbehaves it is important to respond. You may also ask, why is the child doing this? But the main concern is when misbehaviour becomes too frequent or becomes dangerous.

There are a few factors why children may behave.

1. When the child’s physical or emotional needs are not met.
2. When a child feels misunderstood.
3. When a child wants attention.
4. When there are no rules or limits set by the family.
5. When the rules are unclear or not followed by others.

Children are not born knowing how to behave or what is expected from them. They must first be taught.

Here are a few examples of the basic emotional needs of children so you will understand exactly what emotional needs are.

Recognion/ Significance
Self Esteem
Love/Connection
Creative Expression
Security

New Experiences or Varieties
In addition to food clothing and shelter, we should be able to meet the above emotional needs of children.

It is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to instill self-confidence that will brood good esteem in them. There should be a connection between us and the children.

HOW CAN MISBEHAVIOUR BE PREVENTED
To prevent misbehaviour in children, parents and caregivers must try to meet their children’s physical and emotional needs. Then the child has less cause for misbehaviour.

1. Belonging: children need to know that they are important; that they are loved and that they have an important place in the family.
2. Acceptance: Children need the acceptance of their thoughts and feelings.
3. Understanding: Children need to be heard and understood.
4. Independence: Children need to be given choices and independence, appropriate to their stage of development.

To respond to a child’s misbehaviour, parents caregivers should first find out the reason “WHY”. If you can respond to the underlying reason then the child is likely to improve his or her behaviour in the future.

Remember that they don’t get to know and understand most of these things will we train and guide them. A simple explanation of why the child will not be able to get that thing at that par[1]cular me may just be enough for the child.

(culled from the better parenting curriculum)