Even the sweetest of little ones can act like a spoiled brat every once in a while. Before you assume the worst, it’s important to take stock of the situation to see if you can identify an underlying issue. Kids who are overtired, for example, tend to be cranky and act out. You may want to consider reexamining your child’s bedtime routine.
When your child is misbehaving on a more regular basis, however, it’s time to step in and correct his behavior.
Here are tips on how to handle six common bratty kid behaviors for parents and caregivers:
- Hitting or Biting
This type of aggressive behavior is simply unacceptable. Even if your little one doesn’t mean to hurt anyone, you need to take swift action in these scenarios. Start by removing your child from the situation and asking her to go to her room to calm down. If you’re out running an errand, you should all head back to the car for a timeout. When your little one has settled down, you should explain your “no hitting or biting” policy (again) and give her another chance.
- Talking Back to You or Other Adults
Has your child made a few sassy, nasty or rude comments lately? If so, he may be copying the behavior he has observed on television, at school or even at home. To curb this back talk, it’s important that you do all you can to set the right tone in your house. And if your child says a real zinger to a family member or friend, you shouldn’t let it slide. Your little one needs to earnestly apologize to the person he’s offended.
- Pouting or Whining
Classic bratty kid behavior often includes the use of a whiny tone. While this incredibly grating noise is enough to send you over the edge, it’s important for you to do all you can to remain calm. Don’t lose your cool and lash out. Instead, simply tell your tot that you’ll speak to him when he stops whining. And don’t back down! By giving into your child’s demands when he’s pouting, you’ll teach him that he can manipulate you into getting what he wants.
- Lying or Cheating
If your child is prone to lying about her cards when you play a game of Go Fish or claims that she didn’t eat the last brownie (when it’s clear that she did), you need to call her out on this behavior so that you can nip it in the bud. And, of course, you should always display honesty in everything you do so that you set a good example for your little one.If and when you do catch your child in a lie, you should have her confess. But it’s also important for you to praise her when she does do the right thing by telling the truth. For instance, let your child know that you’re proud of her for being honest about the fact that she painted your dog’s nails pink. Then, have her apologize and remove said polish pronto!
- Selfish Behavior
Is “Mine!” one of your child’s favorite words? You might just have to remind her that she can’t always get what she wants when she wants it. This is also the perfect opportunity to touch base on the importance of community. After all, sharing and helping others is part of being a good person and citizen.
One great way to put an end to any sense of entitlement is to encourage your child to participate in age-appropriate household chores and community-service projects. For instance, she can help pick up trash on the block or be responsible for raking the leaves in your backyard.
- Displaying Poor Sportsmanship
Does your little one tend to be a sore loser? Perhaps he throws the game pieces into the air when he’s losing a board game or quits before his sister can beat him at chess. It’s easy to give up when the going gets rough, and this bratty behavior may stem from your child’s fear of failure or inadequacy. Nevertheless, it’s important that you teach him to try to follow through on the things he has started.
For more information on what to do when your child acts out, read Bad Behavior, Power Struggles and Your Child.
Do you have any other tips on how to handle a bratty kid? Let us know in the comments!
Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in parenting, health and child development. She’s a frequent contributor to Care.com and the mom of two teen girls.
