When you thought that things with your child are now going to be easy and smooth; you realized that they have got all the more difficult and there are some new issues that have surfaced.

As your little one turns 3 and you get him admitted to a pre-school, you begin noticing a complete new range of behavioral issues. This is because that your pre-schooler is now enjoying his new found independence and would make an attempt of using it to the best of his potentials .

Often while he explores this new aspect, he ends up making certain mistakes which though may not seem to be very grave but can become an inseparable part of his personality if timely intervention is not made. Here let us bring in to your concern some common behavioral issues found in a pre-schooler:

1. Inclination towards telling lies: It stands to be a very common behavior among pre-schoolers. A pre-schooler will lie in different manners. He can cook up stories at school or at home just to catch some attention, hide important stuff and fake ignorance, and give you wrong information when asked for any detail. Often they even lie when they realize that lying can actually save them from punishment; which stands to be the common reason with all kids who lie. For instance, if they break a flower vase, they will either put the blame on their sibling or refuse adamantly to accept their mistake.

Solution: At this point of time, their lies may make you laugh over but as they grow up, this will turn to be a difficult situation to handle. It would be better to keep a check on it at this stage and keep them away from telling lies. Explain to them politely why it’s bad to tell lies or create fake stories. If they accept their mistake, don’t punish them instead acknowledge their courage of speaking out the truth. 

2. Grumbling or breaking into cries: Often pre-schoolers turn to whining when they don’t get anything they want. This could be getting a new toy or an extra chocolate cookie for evening snack; absolutely anything. They feel that parents will give in to their demands if they cry or whine around.

Solution: Certainly it’s annoying to tend to a whining child. But just imagine your child whining at the age of 15 as well? Sounds embarrassing, isn’t it? But if you start giving into his whining acts at this age, he is surely going to make it a lifelong habit. Don’t entertain your child’s unnecessary demands and make it very clear that none of his tactics can make you change your mind. However, do it politely; don’t be too harsh.

3. Acting stubborn: Showing a stubborn behavior is also one common behavioral issue with pre-schoolers. They stop paying attention to your instructions and pretend as if they aren’t listening to any of your statements. They will do things as per their will and won’t adhere to your advices.

Solution: It’s common for kids to act a little stubborn and turn down your advices. They do it because they feel this new sense of independence in them and they don’t wish you to snatch it away. It’s advisable that you deal with this situation a bit patiently. It’s part of disciplinary rules and if your child acts stubborn, let him know of the consequences. If he breaks a rule, don’t let him play with his favorite toy for a day or two; or turn off TV for a day or two.

4. Being aggressive: Throwing away the toys in anger, turning away from meal table, screaming aloud or yelling; all these show how aggressive your pre-schooler is. And this is quite common as well. Some pre-schoolers often find it hard to control their anger and end up being fiercely aggressive. It can be very harmful for their mental health as anger tends to take a toll on ones power of thinking in a healthy way.

Solution: As said, this aggression can be very damaging in future and you must make efforts to curb it right at this stage. Tell them that like any other feeling, expressing anger is also fine but that needs to be done in a way that doesn’t hurt other around. Give them few tips to express out their anger like sitting quietly or engaging in some creative activity. They will need your constant help in getting over their anger. 

5. Arguing with everyone: You may think if your pre-schooler can actually have his way out when it comes to arguments. It might surprise you but he will surely have an upper hand when it comes to arguing without any justified reason.

Solution: If you feel that your pre-schooler has this habit of giving his opinion in each and everything, see to it that you don’t encourage this habit. It can make them overrule others’ opinion and stick by their own conceptions, which won’t be a wise thing to do. Tell them how they can put their opinion forward and even pay heed to what is being advised to them.

All these issues may appear very minor at this stage but they can surely turn into a big problem as the child grows up. This indeed is the right time to tackle these issues as your toddler’s mind happens to be more willing to change and adapt.