Children with behavioral problems in kindergarten

20 to 25 percent of children have behavioral problems

Behavioral problems are by no means isolated cases. About 20 to 25 percent of the kindergarten children show abnormalities in dealing with their fellow human beings. However, the origin of this behavior is not always easy to determine. The causes can be physical or psychological. However, combinations are also conceivable. For example, a child may have a simple food intolerance that stunts development. Another example is hearing impairment: if children do not understand instructions, they cannot follow them either. Educational misconduct or traumatic experiences such as abuse or death are examples of psychological causes. The exact reasons for the conspicuous child behavior can only be determined by a specialist due to the complexity in each case.

Children with behavioral problems: How you can help your child

In order to support children with behavioral problems properly, we have put together a few tips for you:

• Avoid misunderstandings: In order to support their children, parents should try to avoid miscommunication between them and the educators. Therefore, try not to judge the kindergarten and the work of the educators. You are not part of this community and therefore cannot adequately judge what is going on there. Conversely, the educators cannot give any qualified statement about life within the family. Also note that your child’s behavior in kindergarten and in the family can differ significantly. For example, your child can be completely inconspicuous at home, but at the same time keep everyone busy in kindergarten.
• Setting limits: For children with behavioral problems, it is particularly important to enforce a consistent upbringing. Tell your child openly what they can and cannot tolerate. Always stick to your point of view. You will even be doing your child a favor by doing so, because behavioral problems are often just a call for help according to rules and boundaries. Formulate the rules briefly and concisely and do not get involved in discussions or compromises.
• Enforce consequences: If you threaten your child with consequences for misconduct, you should definitely enforce them. If your child notices that you are not serious or finds a way to get out of the situation without being punished, they will try again and again.
• Don’t forget to praise: children with behavioral problems need encouragement. When your child does something right, you should never forget to praise them and always give them positive feedback.
• Be a role model: Observe your behavior and pay particular attention to automated actions. For example, if your child is loud or aggressive, don’t pay attention to them. Your attention will see it as a reward. Of course, you too must follow the rules of the game yourself and be able to serve as a role model for your child.
• Do not overwhelm the child: children with behavioral problems should not be overwhelmed. So work with your child in small steps. Set up a new rule first, and then gradually the next ones.

The earlier you act, the better

Do you observe a particularly conspicuous behavior in your child and do not know what to do? Please don’t wait or feel ashamed, but get in touch with the educators, the family doctor or another counseling center. The earlier your child is treated, the faster he can be helped, for example with an individual therapy plan.