Do you know that as little
as these children are and as innocent as they may look, they still commit some little
crimes? Also note that child delinquent
starts as early as a child is born. Although
these attitudes can be a sign of cognitive progress, paying no attention to them
can also have overwhelming effect on their lives in the long run. The reason is that, while some children may
get over these attitudes as they mature, others use them to form more negative behaviour as they become adults.
Some of these behaviors are:
Bites: This starts as early
as 5 months and they begin by biting the breasts of their mothers as they suck. I have seen a mother who refused
breastfeeding her baby because of these bites.
By the time you notice that your baby enjoys your groaning after biting
you, do all you can to stop him from biting you. Removing the breast from his
mouth and a little pinch on the mouth is okay.
Allow him to cry before coddling.
Ignoring this behaviour will make
some children have the habit of biting other children in future and you know
what that means.
Abusive: From age 1-3 when a child begins to
learn how to speak, he usually learns abusive languages first. Some will use their hands, mouth, tongue and
face to make abusive signs. They use these languages and signs as a means of
defending themselves when they feel offended but then, we need to discourage
them so that they will not turn into a torn on our flesh in the future. Children, who indulge
in these kinds of behaviour, eventually turn out to be spoilt children.
Slaps: Some toddlers usually slap adults
when they are lifted up or played with.
As much as this may be a way of showing happiness, allowing that is also
encouraging bad behaviour, I am sure you will be embarrassed if your child
slaps your visitor. This is the reason
why you must stop this attitude fast.
Lies: This is very common
among children between the ages of 3-11.
At this age, they tell you things that aren't true. My eight year old boy who wanted to sleep on
my bed told me that he dreamt about toad and that he is seeing toads all over
his bed. I believed him and allowed him
to sleep with us but with a little pressure from his Daddy, he confessed that
he only wanted to sleep with us. Because
he lied, he was asked to go back to his bed.
Always punish every lie accordingly no matter how small.
Parents and guardians
also teach children how to lie by telling lies themselves in the presence of
the children or asking them to lie on their behalf. ‘Tell the visitor I am not
at home’ while you are right there on your bed is a way of encouraging children
to lie. If it is inevitable for you to
lie, try and explain to your child the reason why you lied and do not forget to
tell them how sorry you are about it.
Allowing your children to lie will make them untrustworthy and
unreliable adults.
