Rebellion In Toddlers

When your toddler exhibits rebellious behavior, don̵7;t expect the reason to be grounded in a single definitive source for the problematic parental headache. Rather than seeking a single explanation for rebellious toddler behavior, parents can attribute the behavior to several factors, including mismatched skills, poorly developed self-regulation skills and an evolving self perception. Understanding the sources of rebelliousness and implementing proactive strategies can help to smooth the bumps in this phase of toddler development.

  1. Mismatched Abilities

    • The children̵7;s development website Zero to Three reports that some of the rebellious behaviors observed by parents during the toddler developmental phase begin with an unfortunate mismatch between her desired actions and reasoning abilities. In other words, a toddler̵7;s determination is sometimes thwarted by a lack of skills. Your little one embraces independence with an uninhibited zeal, but resists your suggestions with a point blank, ̶0;No!̶1; When parents attempt to reason with their ambitious toddler, the response may appear angry and defiant.

    Limited Self-Regulation

    • Controlling impulses is a challenging task for your toddler, who is only beginning to wrestle with the frustrating goal of self-regulating her changing behavior and moods. A frustrated toddler with limited self-regulation skills can exhibit rebellious behavior on a moment̵7;s notice. Not only does your little one want to complete tasks independently, she wants to complete them without delay or complication originating from you. Parental redirection that interferes with a toddler̵7;s newly conceived plan of action often elicits rebellious behavior.

    New Self-Perception

    • Toddlers achieve developmental milestones in the emotional and cognitive realms during this phase of development that serve the dual roles of building independence and helping to change the toddler̵7;s self perception. Your toddler embraces a new role of a self-reliant, strong person who effectively maneuvers throughout her environment. Toddlers are blissfully unaware that their newly acquired self-assurance rests on shaky ground, and do not hesitate to defy parental requests to validate their confident self perception.

    Diminish Rebellion

    • There̵7;s no need to wring your hands or sigh in utter exasperation if your tiny toddler exhibits rebellious behavior. Toddler rebellion will diminish as your child acquires communication and self-regulation skills. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears recommends that parents implement preventive strategies to minimize incidents of rebellious behavior. For example, since no one knows your child better, take care to schedule errands and transitions during your toddler̵7;s happiest time of the day. Parents find that it is much easier to modify their itinerary than to change their toddler̵7;s disposition.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Talk With a 3-Year-Old About Divorce & Moving
      Talking with your child about an impending divorce does not have to be a traumatic event. Children are resilient, especially during the toddler and elementary school ages. If your 3-year-old is living with both parents in the home, he probably alread
    • Why Does My 2-year-old Hit?
      Two-year-olds are full of new behaviors, and not all of them are desirable. Hitting is one such behavior, and while it is a normal phase for a toddler, consistent action is called for to prevent physical aggression from becoming a habit. To effective
    • Your One-Year-Old: Beginning Discipline
      Page 1Your One-Year-Old: Beginning DisciplineRule #1: The word discipline means teaching, not punishing. Understand that, at this age, baby is beginning to learn the word no. Only use it when you mean it, and expect baby to challenge you on it every