CHILDREN COMMON

HABITS AND BEHAVIORS

Meeting 20
English for Nursing 3
2020
VOCABULARIES
Thumb Sucking
Pacifier
Head Banging
Rolling Head
Body Rocking
Teeth Grinding
Nail and Cuticle Biting or
Picking
Nose Picking
Breath Holding
Bedwetting
Hair Twirling or Pulling
Picky Eating
Pinching
 TV and
Electronic
Addiction
 Urinary
Incontinent
Tics
10 Common Children “Bad” Behaviors
 1. Whining
Whining is a behavior that can become a terribly
bad habit for a child, especially if it is an effective
means for getting him what he wants. Whining can
have a lot of social consequences for children,
however. A child who whines is likely to have peer-
related issues because other kids won’t want to put
up with it. Teachers and other caregivers may also
not take kindly to a child who whines frequently.
Put an end to whining quickly and teach your child
more appropriate ways to deal with upsetting
feelings such as disappointment.
 2. Tantrum
Since tantrums are a natural part of growing up they are
not usually cause for serious concern and will typically
diminish of their own accord. Tantrums are particularly
common in children under the age of three years, but as
children mature and their self-control and understanding
of the world increase, their frustration levels are likely to
decrease, resulting in fewer tantrums. Sometimes they
occur when a child isn’t sure how to manage his anger
and at other times, they serve as a manipulation
technique. Sometimes kids throw tantrums to gain
attention or to try and get what they want.
 3. Defiance
It’s frustrating when a child refuses to follow
directions, especially when he outright says
“No!” when you tell him to do something.
However, it’s normal for kids to test limits at one
time or another. Sometimes defiance stems
from a child testing your reaction, while other
defiant behaviors may signal a child’s attempts
to assert his independence. Preschoolers and
teens are especially likely to behave defiantly
 4. Bedtime Resistance
Whether your child refuses to stay in bed, won’t
go to sleep, or insists on sleeping with you,
bedtime behavior problems are common. If you
don’t fix them, they can get worse over time,
which can have serious consequences for your
child. A lack of sleep can lead to increased
behavior problems and academic issues.
 5. Fighting
When a young child fights with another child, it is
likely that he or she is having trouble expressing
feelings in words. Such behavior can be very normal
for children in the early years, as they are only
beginning to expand their language and are having
their first experiences of exerting their own will and
dealing with strong emotions. Behaviors that might
be labeled physical aggression typically peak
between two and three years of age. Most children
learn to regulate such behaviors and use
alternatives by the time they reach middle
childhood.
 6. Impulsive behavior
Impulsive behavior comes in many forms. Young
children tend to be physically impulsive. They’re more
likely to hit, push or grab something without thinking.
Older children and teens should have better control over
their physical impulses, but are often still verbally
impulsive. They may say things without thinking and may
have trouble controlling their emotions. There are
many reasons why impulse control is an important
control. When children master impulse control, they’re
likely to behave better. They are even more likely to have
increased academic success. Teach impulse control skills
to curb impulsive behavior as early as possible and set
your child up for success.
 7. Swearing
Swearing in and of itself is not a sign of behavioral
disturbance. If other problems are associated with
the swearing, however, intervention may be
required. For example, children who persistently
kick and fight as well as swear may be showing
signs of a behavioral disorder. Similarly, children
who are swearing and having difficulty with peers
may be showing signs of an anti-social disorder.
Where behavior appears to be symptomatic of a
serious disturbance, parents should seek help from
a health professional.
 8. Excessive shyness
All children exhibit shyness at some time or
another but some children suffer from an
overwhelming shyness which cripples them in
social situations. This type of excessive shyness
can harm their relationships with friends, leave
them lonely and isolated, cause them to feel
worthless and/or helpless, and leave them open
to bullying and ridicule.
 9. Lying
Sometimes kids tell stories to get attention,
while at other times they lie to avoid getting into
trouble. If lies aren’t addressed appropriately,
lying can turn into a bad habit for your child.
When you catch your child in a lie, respond in a
calm but direct manner and encourage your
child to tell the truth.
 10. Disrespectful Behavior
Disrespectful behavior can frustrate even the
calmest of parents. If it’s not addressed
appropriately, disrespect can get worse through
the years. The way you respond to behaviors
such as talking back, inappropriate language,
and attitude problems will discourage your child
from doing it again.
LANGUAGE FOCUS
 POSSIBILITY AND SUGGESTION
Possibility Suggestion
You should….
It’s better if ….
I think it’s better for you
S + May/May Not + V1
to.…
I suggest you to….
Why don’t you….
A child aged 1 year old may suck his/her thumb. It’s better if ….
A child aged 2 years old may have excessive shyness. As a parent, I suggest
you to….