All children misbehave sometimes. It is a normal part of growing up. But children's behavior is also influenced strongly by the people and the environment around them. Here are some reasons a child may misbehave:

Needs a nap

Feels ill

Needs food/drink

Has too much stimulation

Feels bored

Feels frustrated

Feels scared around strangers

Needs to feel a sense of power and control

Needs attention
Preventing Misbehavior
You can prevent some misbehavior occurring by practicing some of the following tips:

Use encouraging words. When children are behaving well, they deserve your attention and appreciation. They will learn that good behavior is a way to be noticed.

Using positives. Tell children what you want them to do rather than what you do not want them to do. Changing "Don'ts" to "Do's" takes practice, but is worth the effort. "Do's" give kids good ideas rather than bad ones, and "Do's" are more easily understood.

Setting limits. Limits tell a child what you expect of her. Too many rules and demands may overwhelm a young child, but setting a few limits, on matters that are really important, reduces conflict and the need for making more discipline decisions. Limits are most effective when they match a child's ability; are expressed in clear, positive terms; are consistently enforced; and are based on reasons the child understands. Example: Your child can no longer sleep at naptime but becomes overtired by the end of the day, so you insist she spend an hour doing quiet activities after lunch.

Giving choices. When children are allowed to make small choices (examples: either an apple or raisins for snack, either television or a story before bed), they learn to make simple decisions and prepare to make more important decisions in the future. They feel a sense of power and control over their lives when they can make some choices.

Use humor. Children respond well to humor. It is effective at breaking tension or avoiding a struggle. (Example: Your child has left his jacket outside. You say, "I see a lost jacket out in the yard. I hope someone helps that poor jacket find its way home.")

Warnings. Letting a child know in advance what to expect eases transitions and reduces resistance. (Example: The children are busy playing. You let them know that lunch will be ready in ten minutes.)

Planning ahead. You can prepare to avoid problem behavior. (Example: You know your child becomes irritable when he gets bored, so you pack some toys and activities for him to play with.)

Change the setting. You can change your child's environment to prevent certain misbehaviors. (Example: Your toddler likes to tear up newspapers, so you put the newspaper out of sight.)

Role model. You can practice the behavior you want your children to adopt. (Example: You want your child to let someone finish speaking, so you do not interrupt her when she speaks.)

When misbehavior does occur, it is important first to try to determine the reason for the misbehavior. By knowing the reason why a child behaved in an inappropriate way, you can then use the appropriate discipline technique.