Curious About Kids’ Behavior at Each Stage? Learn More Here
Understanding a child’s behavior can be tricky for some parents. Not all children behave identically after all, and how they act is greatly influenced by their surroundings.
However, it’s still important to take note of common behaviors in children, no matter what age they are. Learn more about how kids usually behave at each stage of their life, and how to act on them effectively and with lots of TLC.
Newborns of Infants (0 to 1 Years Old)
At this stage, newborns or infants use crying as their way of saying that they’re hungry, tired, sick, or uncomfortable.
What You Can Do: If your baby is crying, check what the baby needs, comfort them and make them feel safe in your company. You can do this by cuddling or sitting in a quiet room with them, singing or humming a calming song, or rubbing their back.
If your baby is crying because of a discomfort, and you suspect they’re sick, immediately consult your pediatrician. They may be given necessary medicine to help provide immediate relief. Once they’re healed, prevent illnesses by giving them the recommended vaccines and by boosting their immunity by feeding them nutrient-rich food (once it’s safe to do so) and ensuring they get enough rest and sleep.
Ask your pediatrician about multivitamins that can help promote good appetite and good health for your bouncing baby.
Toddlers (1 to 3 Years Old)
As they grow older, your child starts learning how to talk or communicate, behave, and/or move (either by walking, or jumping). They’re also beginning to recognize familiar faces and objects, follow simple directions, and/or imitate other people’s behavior.
You’ll notice that they’re starting to develop a personality too. They’ll show you what they like and don’t like, and try to do things independently. However, they don’t completely understand logic quite well just yet and may find it difficult to exhibit self-control at times. They may also throw tantrums, or show signs of being a picky eater.
What You Can Do: It’s easier said than done, but patience is key. Ideally, try to respond more to good acts you want to see them do, instead of noticing unwanted behavior. When they throw tantrums, allow them to express their emotions and do not penalize them for doing so. Instead, encourage them to explore their independence, do tasks on their own, and talk about their emotions more so you can understand them.
Provide them the vitamins and minerals they need too with supplements that may help boost their immunity, appetite, energy, and mental alertness, and aid in promoting proper height, strong teeth, bones, and muscles, clear eyesight, and glowing skin.
School-Age Children (4 to 11 Years Old)
Kids at this stage have better motor and communication skills, and start making friends too. Because they’re growing up, they’re also trying to fit in and be accepted within the norms of their homes or communities. They may exhibit various behaviors, some of which can be undesirable.
What You Can Do: Just like during their toddler years, be patient with your kids. If your child shows unwanted behaviors, talk to them privately. Allow them to learn from their mistakes without feeling like they’ve failed. Lastly, give them room to talk about their emotions and concerns without the fear of negative consequences.
Because kids at this stage are often up and about, make sure their bodies are adequately protected from germs and viruses. Consider vitamin C which helps provide defense against free radical damage, strengthen the immune system, and aid in collagen production.
Adolescents (10 to 19 Years Old)
Emotions can run high for your child at this stage. Adolescents are trying to learn more about themselves, determine their identities, and form or maintain relationships.
However, this also comes with increased consciousness and awkwardness towards their bodies, peer pressure to emulate their friends, and possibly, misunderstandings over certain topics.
What You Can Do: As parents, guide them when they’re making decisions and the possible consequences. Promote a “judgment-free” zone in your home too wherein they can talk about issues their peers go through, without fear of negative consequences. Lastly, give them room to make and learn from their mistakes – these “lessons” will help them when they reach adulthood.
Don’t forget their physical health too! Give them adequate nourishment via a healthy diet and with supplements that contain essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and D, and B vitamin complex, helping give adolescents extra energy for their daily activities and lower their risk for sickness.
If your child is exhibiting continuous physical or health-related discomfort, there may be a chance that they’re dealing with an illness. If symptoms appear or persist, consult your doctor right away.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9706-pregnancy-newborn-behavior
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/newborn-behaviour
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/babies-cry.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/toddlers.html
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/school-age-children-development
https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/peeps/issue-88
https://www.uhhospitals.org/Healthy-at-UH/articles/2020/06/teen-behavior-whats-worrisome-whats-not
https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/high-risk-behaviors-watch-adolescents
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/adolescence/18-areas-of-normal-adolescent-behavior/
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