Behavior Problems in Toddler Boys

If you are raising a toddler boy, you may have experienced certain moments that make you want to pull out your hair. First of all, recognize that you are not alone. It is a normal part of the growth and development cycle for toddlers to portray behavioral problems, such as defiance of parents over everything from going to sleep to taking a bath. Rather than getting into power struggles with your toddler, learn about the types of behavioral problems that you can expect from him during this stage.

  1. Tantrums

    • Dealing with toddler tantrums are among the most dreaded responsibilities that parents have. Yet tantrums in toddler boys are normal. Screaming, yelling, throwing things around the house and flailing about is within the range of normalcy when it comes to toddler behavioral development. This is your son's way of acting out because he does not yet know how to control his emotions or feelings of anger, impulse or fear. It may seem that your toddler throws tantrums over any little thing. As a parent, you can correct the tantrums through your own parenting style, whether that be sending your son to time out, or coaxing him through the tantrum by helping him relax. The more prompt correcting that you engage in, the quicker he can grow out of the tantrum stage.

    Aggression

    • You may find that your toddler son enjoys making his figurines fight with one another during playtime, or that he enjoys running up to his big sister and punching her so that she chases him. These behaviors are evidence of aggressive play, which is common in toddler boys. You do not need to be alarmed as long as your son only demonstrates these behaviors while playing around. However, if you notice that aggressive behaviors sneak into his actions when he is not playing, such as biting and hitting for no seemingly good reason, then this constitutes a behavioral problem that should be curbed. Discipline is an effective way to cease the aggression, as well as talking with your toddler about why he has certain actions. Set boundaries and reward him with good behavior so that he learns to not engage in angry aggression.

    Bullying

    • As your toddler develops he may engage in bullying behaviors towards a sibling, you and your spouse or his neighborhood friends. According to the University of Michigan Health System, bullying can begin at the early age of two. Bullying should not be an acceptable behavior for toddler boys, as the behavior can manifest and cause further problems later on in life. Correct bullying when you notice it and do not let your son get away with bullying others.

    Argumentative Behaviors

    • Your toddler son may be argumentative even when it comes to doing things that he enjoys. This can become confusing for new parents. A growing toddler desires independence from his parents. He wants to make some of his own decisions, whether that means eating candy for dinner, going to sleep without brushing his teeth or staying up all night to watch movies. Parents will be met with constant defiance, usually starring the word "no." Make sure to hold firm to your boundaries. You are the parents, and you know best.

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