by Cranky Curmudgeon

Created on: June 16, 2010   Last Updated: September 03, 2010

Through each age, the responsibility for a child's bad behavior sways from the child to the parents but the child is ultimately in charge of their behavior and needs to be held responsible.

INFANTS cannot be "spoiled" as they rely on very basic care. Food, clothing and shelter. Receiving love at this age is not required (hugging, holding, kidding etc...) but lays a consistent foundation for the next stage, Toddler, when love and attention is crucial to the child's development.

Infant "bad behavior" includes: crying and holding onto hair or jewelry and not letting go. Crying is an alarm for when the baby is uncomfortable: sickness, hunger and diaper changes. As the infant grows, she will cry to be held or for affection and should never be ignored. Do not be afraid of "spoiling" a child at this age, it is impossible.

Who's to blame for INFANT bad behavior? The Child

TODDLERS up to three years old are impressionable and begin to learn the household rules and expectations. Walking and language appear and can get a toddler in a bit of trouble with their parents.

Toddler "bad behavior" includes: throwing things, hitting things, running everywhere, knocking things over, dumping their juice cup on the carpet and otherwise making messes. Toddlers become enthralled with the idea of gravity and begin to think creatively. A toddler will not ever make a mess to "spite" you, they do not understand the concept of revenge. If it circumstantially feels this way, the toddler likely feels like they need the parent's attention and affection.

Who's to blame for TODDLER "bad behavior"? The Child

3-5 YEAR OLDS are curious about everything and will begin to get angry when they do not get what they want. Realize that making messes is not a vindictive act at this age. Language is fluid and often comes out the "wrong way". At this age, the child is testing the parents to see how to get what they want. Which behavior works, and which behavior gets a punishment (plainly, not getting what she wants).

3-5 year old "bad behavior" includes: rude speech, hitting, pushing and not listening. Parents will sometimes make a rule or say "no" without explaining why. To this age of child, she thinks you only made the rule so that she cannot get what she wants and does not have the menal capacity to formulate a what-if scenario if the parents do not explain it. Rude speech is mirrored from what she hears and also a limited

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