5 Common Preschool Behaviour Problems And Practical, Gentle Ways Parents Can Handle Them

As our little ones enter the milestone phase of preschool, they experience a sense of increasing independence. However, along with that feeling of independence comes a whole lot of behaviors that appear to be problematic. Parents of preschoolers become all too familiar with temper tantrums, disobedience, defiance, and other such issues.

What behavioural problems mean in preschoolers

The term 'behavioral problem' refers to any behavior or response that is not socially acceptable or considered normal for a child of a certain age. Children behave in particular ways to have their basic needs met or to ward off impending frustration. Although defiance and naughtiness are typical toddler behaviors, they cause concern when frequent, disruptive, and disturb the child's daily routine at home or school.

Why preschool behavioural problems happen

There may be several factors that contribute to a child's difficult or bad behavior. These include:

• Changes in the social and psychological environments, like life-changing events, such as the birth of a new sibling or the shift to a new home.
• Our emotional states can greatly impact our children's behavior. If upset over an issue at work, for example, a child can easily sense a parent's distress and react with unease or aggression.
• Attention or the lack of it. Often, we tend to pay attention to our children only when they behave badly; we hardly notice or take for granted their good behavior. So, in time, they learn that to get our attention, they must behave badly.

Common signs of behavioural problems in preschoolers

• Throwing frequent temper tantrums
• Getting annoyed or irritated quite easily
• Refusing to listen to what you say
• Unable to follow the rules
• Eating too little or too much
• Being aggressive toward siblings or peers
• Showing a tendency to fight with or hurt others
• Trying to hurt themself
• Finding it difficult to learn
• Feeling unhappy or scared
• Throwing things
• Crying without reason

How to respond to challenging behaviour in young children

We must identify unacceptable behaviors and their causes and deal with them early enough. Choosing to ignore them causes these behaviors to become the child's normal response to life situations. It is up to us parents to see that behavioral problems are rectified at the earliest, so that our children have more positive experiences as they grow.

Here are five common behavioral problems in preschoolers and tips on how you can deal with them effectively. (Remember, it is normal for a child to display one or more of these behaviors occasionally.)

1. Temper tantrums

Most preschoolers throw a tantrum at some time or the other. Although these situations are extremely embarrassing and stressful, a little patience on our part can do wonders. Children usually throw a tantrum when they are:

• Overcome with emotions like anger, fear, and disappointment.
• Unable to control a situation.
• Feeling hungry and tired.
• Confident that throwing a tantrum will help them get their way.

If you foresee your child throwing a tantrum at the store when they are denied a toy, explain to them before you reach the store that you are going to buy only groceries and not toys. They will then be better prepared to control their emotions when they suddenly see a toy they want but get a firm 'No' from you. Giving in to their tantrums, on the other hand, will give them the mistaken idea that they can get anything they want at any time.

If you sense that your child's tantrum is a reaction to your own stress, the best thing you can do is not make them feel guilty for misbehaving. Instead, work to calm yourself down first, and then calm your child.

2. Defiance and refusal

It is no doubt frustrating when your young child refuses point-blank to do as you tell them. But don't lose your temper straightaway. Remind yourself that defiance is a sign of your child's growing independence. Constant defiance, however, is not healthy. You must motivate your child to listen to you. Praise them when they are cooperative. Explain to them that they are proving to be more responsible when they are cooperative. One way of getting your child out of the habit of defiance is to offer them limited choices. It gives them a sense of control and makes them want to cooperate with you.

For example, if your child refuses to go to bed at the time you have set, you could ask them to choose which pair of pajamas they would like to wear. This way, they get involved in the decision, and their growing independence is not compromised.

3. Lying in preschoolers

It is normal for preschoolers to tell lies, either by blowing up the truth to get attention or by bending or side-stepping the truth to prevent themselves from getting into trouble. Although this tendency is nothing to be alarmed about, if it is not addressed early enough, your child may develop into a habitual liar.

• If you know your child is telling a lie, respond calmly and encourage them to tell the truth.
• Explain to them, with simple examples, the difference between truth and lies. You could play a game of naming the colors of the sea or the trees, and ask them to identify if the statement about the color is true or a lie.
• Discuss how lying could get them into more trouble than the original situation they want to get out of. Emphasize that it's okay to be honest, even if it has an immediate adverse consequence.
• Remember to be a role model by being honest and truthful yourself!

It is also important to understand that for preschoolers, the line between reality and fantasy is often blurred.

An article titled, 'Why kids lie and what parents can do about it,' published on the Child Mind Institute's website, mentions a statement by Dr. Carol Brady, a clinical psychologist, on why it's a big mistake to call a child a liar. According to Dr. Brady, the wound it creates is bigger than dealing with what the child lied about in the first place.

4. Aggression and hitting

Aggressive behavior, although worrying, is also rather common in a preschooler. Your child could throw things, kick, hit, or bite to express feelings of anger. On the other hand, such reactions may be triggered by the fact that they cannot express themselves effectively. If, for instance, an older child snatches a toy from them, they may bite or hit them because they are unable to get it back any other way.

Sometimes, however, they might behave in this manner to test you and see whether they can get their way. Hence, we must set boundaries and explain that this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Remember, though, that discipline is not the same as punishment. Also, give your child the vocabulary of emotions so that they can talk about their feelings rather than act them out.

5. Fussy or emotional eating

Your child's responses to food can also become a behavioral issue. Your preschooler could fuss about the food or overeat, leading to unhealthy food habits. You can help your child develop healthy food habits by encouraging them to eat wholesome foods at set mealtimes.

Don't make sweets or chocolates a habit. Instead, reserve them for spontaneous celebrations. Remember that your child might be confusing hunger with emotions. They may be feeling bored, and instead of identifying the feeling correctly, they could be confusing it with hunger and eating excessively as a result. Explain that hunger is a physical feeling and not something they feel in the mind.

When to seek help and how to support your child emotionally

Communication between you and your child always helps in a difficult situation. When your child behaves unacceptably, stay calm. Talk to them and explain why the behavior is unacceptable. If you think the child is upset, encourage them to talk about what is making them feel that way. However, if you notice that bad behavior occurs frequently and seems to worsen, it is advisable to seek professional help. Remember that all too often, behavioral issues are manifestations of deeper problems that can be identified only by specialized analyses carried out by a trained person.

Your child's behavior is a reflection of their state of mind. Rude or unruly behavior may not necessarily mean they are resorting to it willingly. It is up to you to find out the root cause of such behavior and correct it during the early stages. After all, your preschooler needs you the most when they are fighting with their emotions.

Last updated on: August 22, 2025