| Behavioral Concern | Nursing Implications/Parental Guidance |
|---|---|
| Teething | Begins around age 4 months—infant may seem unusually fussy and irritable but should not run a fever. Provide relief with teething rings, acetaminophen, topical preparations. |
| Thumb sucking | Need to “suck” varies: may be due to hunger, frustration, loneliness. Do not stop infant from doing this—usually stops by preschool years. If behavior persists, evaluate need for attention, peer play. |
| Temper tantrums | Normal in the toddler—occurs in response to frustration. Avoid abrupt end to play or making excessive demands. Offer only allowable choices. Once a decision is verbalized, avoid sudden changes of mind. Provide diversion to achieve cooperation. If it occurs, best means to handle is to ignore the outburst. |
| Toilet training | Assess child for readiness: awareness of body functions, form of mutual communication, physical control over sphincters. Use child-size seat. No distractions (food, toys, books). Offer praise for success or efforts (never shame accidents). |
| Discipline | Not for infant. Can begin with toddler, within limits. Be consistent and clear. Avoid excessively strict measures. |
| Sibling rivalry | Fairly common, normal. Allow older child to “help.” Give each child “special” time, with individual attention. |
| Masturbation | Normal, common in preschooler . Set firm limits. Avoid overreacting. |
| Lying |
|
| Cursing | Avoid overreacting. Defuse use of “the word” by simply stating “not here, not now.” Distract, change subject, substitute activity. Serve as role model by own language. |
| “Accidents” (enuresis) | Occasional—common and normal through preschool. If frequent—need complete physical examination to rule out pathology. “Training”: after dinner—avoid fluids; before bed—toilet (perhaps awaken once during night). Never put back into diapers or attempt to shame. |
| Smoking/drinking | May begin in older school-age child or adolescent. Serve as role model with own habits. |