How do you make a 4 year old behave?

Question

When I'm in a restaurant (or somewhere else) with a four year old, how do I make him behave? Do I ignore when he miss behaves and praise him with he behaves? I've tried bringing books, games, and coloring books along to keep him entertained, but.....

We go to family friendly restaurants and places where there a lot of other kids. He's not bad....he's not loud, running up and down the isle, or anything like that. He just gets under the table or picks up empty nut shells from the ground or pouts. He's not my kid. I have no idea how how a four year old is suppose to act or what

Answer 1

What do I need to know about my child's behavior?
When you want to change an unwanted behavior, it helps to first understand why your child is doing it. See Understanding Behavior: a Key to Discipline for some things to think about when your child's behavior becomes a problem.

What should I know about temper tantrums?
Temper tantrums are a normal part of growing up. They are part of a child learning self-control. Usually, they stop by age 4. To help you learn why kids have tantrums and for tips on how to avoid them, see the American Academy of Pediatrics page on temper tantrums.

What can I do to help my angry or aggressive child?
Anger is an emotion that is caused by frustration. Aggression means trying to hurt a person or to destroy property. It is normal to have some anger and aggression, and actually healthy. These feelings help us to get things done, when used in a positive way. But excessive amounts of anger and aggression used negatively and destructively may point toward an emotional problem. Get some tips on discipline and responding to an angry child. Read about how you can better understand and deal with your young child's aggression and your school-age child's aggression.

What about biting?
Biting is a normal behavior for young kids, but it is also very upsetting for parents, and can be harmful to the person who is bitten. This fact sheet contains information on why children bite and what you can do about it.


How can I teach my child to stop bullying, or to deal with bullies?
Even toddlers can be bullies or victims of bullies. In fact, aggressive behavior toward other kids may even peak around age 2. Visit the link above for tips on “bully-proofing” your child and on how to deal with other kids and their parents in difficult situations. Teach your children how to be assertive in acceptable ways, and they will not fall victim to bullies, nor will they become bullies themselves.

* Bullying and Your Child has more information and suggestions, as well as links to helpful articles just for kids and teens to read.

What about breath-holding?
Breath-holding is scary for parents. The first time a breath-holding spell happens, you should take your child to their doctor. The spells usually happen most often around age 2, and stop by age 5. They are a way for your child to exert control when they do not get their own way.

How can I change my child's problem behaviors?

* If there are lots of behaviors you want to change, start by focusing on one or two of the most bothersome or dangerous ones. Don't try to make too many changes all at once.
* Let your child make some decisions by giving them acceptable choices.
* Use natural and logical consequences for problem behavior. The purpose here is to get kids to make the right decision, not to bend them to your will. Be patient-it may take time for you to see results.
* Be firm and kind. Follow through on the natural and logical consequences.
* Have a few positively stated rules, and explain the reasons behind them.
* Make sure your child understands the results of breaking the rules.
* Praise your child for good behavior. Catch your child being good, and tell them you noticed.
* Redirect your child and help them find a better place, or safer way to do what they are trying to do.
* Remove your child from the cause of the problem behavior, or remove the cause of the problem from the child (for example by child proofing your house).

Answer 2

Well all kids are diffrent,so it varys i guess. At age 4 they should know what "no" means and "sit down". Sometimes it is hard especially in public. But we have to remember not to send mixed signals to our children. We can't let them get away with one thing one day and them punish them the next time they do it. You have to learn to stick to what u say. Have you tried taking away one of his favorite toys when he misbehaves? If he continued to misbehave after repetedly telling him to stop,I would take his little butt to the car or restroom and spank his little bottom and then tell him when you get home-no cartoons or put him to bed. You have to let him know who is the adult. And don't forget to praise them when they are good also. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 3

Teach your 4year old to say please and thank you. Maybe some etiquette at the home and teach them to use that at the restaurant or anywhere you go and that will get them to behave.

Answer 4

Be consistant with him. If he mis behaves take him to the bathroom and punish him with what ever method you choose to use, but stick to it. I spank my children and they are all three very well behaved.

Answer 5

Just tell him to be quiet. I am sure he will get used to it. Also try ignoring. My mom ignores me when I talk forever.

Answer 6

sounds like someone needs to call Super Nanny.

Answer 7

You get a babysitter. If you can't then remove him to the parking lot.

Answer 8

You should of started at a younger age...

Answer 9

of course prasie a child when there good so they kno that makes u happy and punish them by no coloring or spanking or wut ever is affective