Three Behaviors You Need To Stop Before Sending A Child To Daycare

It's tempting to overlook certain behaviors that your child has, especially when they don't seem like that big of a deal. However, once you make the decision to send your child to daycare, you will find just how troublesome these behaviors are. From interrupting you while you are talking with other adults to pretending they don't hear you when you talk, below are the top three behaviors that your child needs to stop before starting daycare and how to stop them effectively.

Interrupting Adults

It may not seem like a big deal when your child interrupts you while you are talking, especially if they have something exciting to say. However, allowing your child to interrupt is actually teaching them that it's acceptable to be inconsiderate of others. If you allow it to continue, your child will begin to think that it's okay to interrupt everyone and will become frustrated when the daycare provider won't allow them to interrupt.

You don't want to ignore your child completely while you are talking to someone else. If you are about to make a phone call, simply let your child know that you will be on the phone and not to interrupt you. Set your child on the couch with their favorite toy, or something else that holds their attention, and let them know that they will not get what they ask for if they interrupt you. You may have to do this a few times before your child finally begins to catch on that it's not okay to interrupt. Consistency is key.

Sassy Attitude

While you may think that the sassy attitude is cute for first time, it is a behavior that won't be tolerated in daycare. Sometimes parents tend to disregard this behavioral problem as just a phase their child is going through. However, as more time goes by, your child will fall into the habit of not only disrespecting you, but also others. For instance, the attitude won't stop at home. You will find that your child is having run-ins with teachers and also having difficulty making and keeping friends.

You must confront the attitude problem whenever you see it. You must be stern, but gentle. Tell your child that the tone of their voice makes it seem like they don't care what you are saying. You don't want cause a scene, because then your child will shut down and they don't learn anything. If this approach does not work, don't interact with them while they are giving you attitude. Simply walk away and let them know that you are open to listening as soon as they start talking nicely.

Pretending They Can't Hear You

If you let your child pretend that they can't hear you, you are basically telling them that they are in charge. For instance, if you have to tell your child four times to pick up their mess around the house and they still don't listen, your child is going to think that it's okay to disregard everything you say. Having to repeat yourself over and over again is only training your child to wait until you have to remind them again. It will turn into an endless cycle of you reminding and your child waiting. Ultimately, your child will win and think it's acceptable to act that way.

In order to stop this behavior, you have to be at eye level with your child so you know they are listening and paying attention to what you are saying. Instead of giving your child vague instructions like "clean up your mess," tell your child exactly what needs to be picked up whether is toys, clothes or books. Be sure to have your child respond to your request with a "yes mommy" or something of that nature. You want to be sure that your child is listening and paying attention to the instructions given.

Certain behaviors need to be stopped before your child enters into daycare. They may think that those behaviors are acceptable and then find out differently and act out in frustration. As long as you know which behaviors are unacceptable and how to improve them, your child will be able to start their time in daycare off on a great note. Contact a company like Kaye Kare Child Care Center for more information.

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