The origin of most toddler behavior

Every performance comes from one of seven very predictable origins. Awareness of these brings all behavior into perspective and allows you to achieve a firm foundation for effective discipline.

Attention Seeking Toddlers crave attention. If they can’t get it by fair means they lower their sights, irritate their parents and grab it by some annoying act. This is by far the commonest cause of parent problems.

Jealousy and Competition Toddlers can be pretty antisocial when others step into their limelight.

Frustration Toddlers bodies cannot keep up with their brains. They become frustrated at their own inabilities.

Fear of Separation Toddlers like to be close to their parent and can be difficult when apart.

Reaction to Illness, Tiredness or Emotional Upset Toddlers can be irrational, irritable and hard to handle when unwell or upset.

Unreal parental Expectations If parents expect a toddler to have adult values, they are in for trouble.

Parental Dramas Parents bring problems on themselves, by taking an unimportant event and beating it into a great drama.


I particularly like this quote; ‘It is not that they set out to be naughty. Their instinct is to explore, which is natural at this stage. But exploration without good sense can be, as we know, a dangerous journey and the explorers must be protected.’