UNDERSTANDING

CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR
STEMM
Impact of caring presence in child’s life
◦ Caring and nurturing mamas can help create positive learning outcomes for children and the
children’s self worth increases
◦ Mutual respect between mama and children influences behavior in a positive manner
◦ If mamas do not have a trusting and respectful relationship a child, they will resist help from
that mama
◦ When mamas show that they care and want to help the children, the children learn how to care
and respect other people
◦ Remember: Every child has their own personality and will react to situations differently than
others

(Victoria state government, 2018)

 Expected behavior

Age: 0 – 1 Age: 1-3 years

◦ Babies will cry as a way to communicate their
needs
◦ Putting items in their mouths, pulling on items,
trying to grab everything
◦ Pulling on furniture to try to walk
◦ Babbling and learning how to talk
◦ Not wanting to share toys or things

◦ Copying sounds and words that mamas do to ◦ Having a lot of energy

try to learn how to talk
◦ Being close to mama by being swaddled in a
wrap

California department of education, 2019

 Expected behavior

Age: 4-6 years Age: 7-11 years

◦ Learning how use bathroom by themselves
◦ Wanting to play with other children their own age
◦ Wanting to do things on their own (not wanting
mamas to help them)
◦ Asking mamas why things happen or how they
work
◦ Wanting to start primary school or nervous about
starting school
◦ Children are curious about their surroundings
and what is happening
◦ Want to spend a lot of time with their friends
◦ Some may begin to go through puberty so their
emotions & bodies may be changing

California department of education, 2019

 Expected behavior
Age: 12-15 years
◦ Changes in mood (happy and talkative one day
and next day quiet and shy)
◦ Become independent
◦ May be more insecure as their body changes
Age: 16-18
◦ May be curious about sex
◦ Asking mamas questions about going to
university
◦ May want to get a job
◦ Want to spend a lot of time with their friends
◦ Help more with chores (become responsible)
◦ Help with younger children
California department of education, 2019
References
◦ California department of education. (June 24, 2019). Retrieved from https://
www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/caqdevelopment.asp.
◦ CHOC Children’s. (n.d). Child development guide. Retrieved from
https://www.choc.org/primary-care/ages-stages/newborn/.
◦ Victoria state government. (December 17, 2018). Understanding children’s behavior. Retrieved from
https://
www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/regulation/Pages/understand_child_behaviour.aspx#top.