Guiding the Behavior of Young Infants

Infants do not misbehave, when they cry to be held, they are not trying to manipulate you-even though it may at times feel that way to you. Rather, they are telling you what they need. Guiding the behavior of infants' means keeping them safe.

• Stay nearby when babies are lying or sitting close to each other. If they begin pulling each other's hair or hitting one another, separate them a bit and show them how to be gentle.
• Offer an alternative when on child grabs for what another is holding.
• Limit the number of times you have to say, "No." Be sure everything within reach is all right for children to play with and mouth.
• Feed infants and help them nap according to their individual schedules.

Guiding the Behavior of Mobile Infants

By about 10 months, mobile infants begin to understand that their actions affect others. Your challenge is to discourage certain behaviors in ways that help children feel good about themselves, even when you don't feel good about what they are doing.

• Use simple, clear language to communicate which behaviors are acceptable. Let your expression and tone of voice emphasize your message.
• Use "No" sparingly. Save this for dangerous situations so it will be effective.
• Give children many opportunities to move and be active throughout the day. Eliminating frustration and boredom will reduce the likelihood that behavioral problems will occur.
• Use familiar signals to let children know when its time to move from one activity to another. For example, give a two-minute warning when its time to clean up. Dim the lights and play soft music when its time for nap. When children have a sense of what to expect, they tend to feel secure and calm during transitions. With less confusion, the possibility of problems arising also decreases.
• Plan the day so there are no long waits between activities. If children have to wait for a few minutes, sing a song, do a fingerplay, or tell a story to help the time pass in an interesting, relaxed way.
• Look at a situation through children's eyes before intervening. Be aware, for example, that what looks like one child grabbing a toy from another may be a "taking away-giving back" game.
• Give children the chance to work things out themselves-if no one will be hurt. Children may briefly react and then decide they don't care when others pick up a toy they had been playing with.

If you would like additional information on guidance or other infant/toddler issues, please contact:

Special ProjectsCoordinator
Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral Association
4200 Perimeter Center Dr. Suite 235
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
1-888-962-2772
mailto:birthtothreen@oklahomachildcare.org