Health Tip: Manage the Terrible 3’s

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Three-year-old children may be among the most difficult to manage as they become more independent and talkative.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these ways to manage the sometimes terrible 3’s:

• Be positive, and try to yell less often.
• Be aware of your child’s needs.
• Give the child your full attention in frequent, small doses.
• Touch your child by snuggling and hugging. And don’t be afraid to say you love him or her.
• Anticipate repeat problem behavior, intervene before the behavior begins and encourage the child to make good choices.
• Set clear, simple expectations for your child’s behavior.
• Give the child lots of praise and positive reinforcement.
• Praise effort, even if the outcome isn’t successful.
• Be consistent with expectations and responses.
• When all else fails, call for a time-out in a specific location.

Source: HealthDay

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