Problem Behavior in Preschoolers
Lots of kids shows signs of behavior problems at an early age. This blog will explain how to know when your preschooler needs help with behavior.
What you’ll learn:
Treatment for child behavior problems
How to handle preschool behavior problems
What is parent management training
Many kids who are treated for disruptive behavior problems are school-age: They’ve been acting out in class, ignoring or defying teachers’ direction, or being too aggressive with other children. But in many cases these children have been exhibiting problematic behavior for years before they start school. Here are some signs that preschool kids might need help learning to control their actions and behavior:
· They may be having more—and more serious—tantrums than typical kids their age
· They may be extremely hard for exhausted and frustrated parents to manage
· They may have been kicked out of preschool or excluded from play dates
· Their behavior may be disrupting family life and and putting serious strain on other family members
· Conflict over behavior may be creating negative relationships with parents
· Parents might be concerned that they might hurt younger siblings
What kinds of therapy works for preschool kids?
For preschoolers dealing with behavior issues, therapy usually focuses on helping parents. Therapists teach parents how to handle their child's behavior better and improve family relationships.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT):
In parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), parents get coached by therapists while they interact with their 2 to 7-year-old kids. They learn techniques to set limits and react well to good and bad behavior. This usually takes about 14 to 17 weekly sessions.
Parent Management Training (PMT):
In parent management training (PMT), parents often meet without their child there, though sometimes the child (aged 3 to 13) might join for some sessions. Therapists teach parents skills to deal more effectively with challenging behaviors, model the skills, and then role-play with parents. After each session, parents practice the skills at home.
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P):
Triple P helps with child behavior problems from when they're toddlers to teenagers and promotes positive parent-child relationships. It focuses on giving parents info and skills to boost their confidence and ability to handle their child's behavior positively.
When should therapy begin?
Starting therapy when kids are young gives parents more time to learn and apply new skills. This helps solidify positive interactions and improve the child's future behavior.
Often, parents are told to wait and see if their child's behavior improves on its own. But Dr. Kristin Edwards, Licensed Child Psychologist, suggests not waiting. Kids are always learning, and if they're not behaving appropriately for their age, it's better to act sooner rather than later. Delaying can make it harder to change their behavior later on.
Dr. Edwards notes that some parents worry they'll be seen as overprotective if they seek help early. But parent training isn't about hovering—it's about teaching kids who struggle with their behavior how to manage their impulses and follow directions. It's a way to help them avoid being labeled as "problem" kids.
How do you know if parent training could help your child?
Dr. Edwards explains that it's normal for two and three-year-olds to have tantrums and resist directions from parents. But it's a concern if your child's default response is always "no" and they don't listen without a big argument. Tantrums are worth paying attention to if they happen a lot and really disrupt things. If your child has frequent, intense tantrums where they're upset for a long time and can't be comforted, it might be time to seek help.
Feeling overwhelmed as a parent is common, but it's important to seek help if difficult behavior is happening often and causing stress in the family. If you're feeling down or having trouble enjoying time with your child because everything feels like a struggle, that's a sign too.
Another red flag is if you're avoiding going out because you're worried about meltdowns in public places, even kid-friendly ones like the grocery store. If you're constantly dreading outings because they usually end in yelling or fighting, it's a good idea to seek support.
What about kids who don't misbehave but simply don't listen?
Another issue is called "passive noncompliance." This happens when you ask your child to do something over and over again, but they keep stalling or ignoring you. They might say, "Just a minute," or "I'm coming," or they might not respond at all, even though you know they heard you. This can be a problem because if they don't listen to teachers or follow instructions, it can cause trouble at school. Even things like crossing the street are dangerous if the child is passively not complying to when you ask them to hold your hand.
What do parents learn in parent training?
In these programs, parents are taught how to interact positively with their child in a way that fits their age. They also learn to set fair rules and explain them in a way that makes their child more likely to listen. Parents practice consistently following through when their child listens or doesn't. They practice so often the response becomes automatic so they know how to react even in tricky situations or situations that seem like exceptions.
Starting early is important because it helps kids learn good behaviors before they’ve built a whole lifestyle around bad habits and behaviors that create a very negative experience both at home and later at school. Kids really want good relationships with their parents, other adults, and other kids. The earlier we help them with this, the happier and more successful they'll be.
Additional resources for parents
In summary, early intervention such as PCIT and parent management training are super important for helping children with behavior problems. They teach parents how to interact well with their children, set fair rules, and stick to them. Starting these interventions early is key because it stops bad habits from getting too ingrained. Tampa Pediatric Psychology agrees that getting help early sets kids up for happier, more successful lives. If you notice problem behavior in your child, it may be good idea to contact us for further support and guidance.