SKIP Strategies with Kids | Information for Parents

More tips for Whanau

• Being rude

  When a young child is rude, swears or answers back, they're often looking for a reaction from you. It's important to have simple, clear rules that everyone follows, so your kids know what's OK in your home. Read moreBeing rude

  

• Fighting with siblings

  Most kids fight with their brothers and sisters, and sometimes with their friends. Here are some ways you can reduce conflict. Read moreFighting with siblings

  

• Lying

  When under-fives lie, it's not about them being bad or naughty. It's often hard for them to tell the difference between what's real and what's not, so try not to overreact. Read moreLying

  

• Not listening

  Not listening can be frustrating for parents - but it's also pretty normal for young kids. Here are ways to help your child take more notice of what you say. Read moreNot listening

  

• Biting

  Biting happens for a number of reasons. Babies can bite while breastfeeding to let you know they're finished or because they're teething while older children can bit out of frustration. Like most tricky behaviour, it won't last forever - but how you react can affect how long biting continues. Read moreBiting

  

• Pinching

  Pinching can be a sign your child may be getting frustrated or want some attention. Here are some things other parents have found helpful when dealing with pinching. Read morePinching

  

• Hiding things

  When your child keeps hiding things it can be frustrating (especially when it's something you need in a hurry). But it's all part of their learning - and yours! Read moreHiding things

  

• Crying

  All babies cry - some more than others. It's their way of telling you what they need. At times they'll cry more than usual and be harder to calm. Here are tips for coping with crying. Read moreCrying

  

• Being fussy about food

  Food battles are never fun. If you want kids to have a healthy relationship with food, it's best not to turn it into a power struggle. Here are some tips to make mealtimes a less stressful experience. Read moreBeing fussy about food

  

• Having toilet accidents

  Learning to use the toilet is one of the hardest stages there is. If you've got other stuff on your plate, it probably won't be helping the situation. Read moreHaving toilet accidents

  

• Making shopping hard

  Supermarkets and other shops are exciting places for little people - and meltdowns are common. Here are some ways other parents have made shopping less of a struggle. Read moreMaking shopping hard

  

• Spitting

  Spitting is often a way for kids to get more of your attention. How you react will affect how long this unpleasant habit sticks around. Here are some strategies for stopping spitting in its tracks. Read moreSpitting

  

• Not sleeping

  When your child won't go to sleep, it can be very frustrating, especially when you're tired too. While you can't force your kids to sleep there are lots of things you can do to make it more likely that they'll settle. Read moresleeping

  

• Throwing things

  When kids work out how to throw things, they're usually delighted with this new skill and want to do it all the time. To avoid others getting hurt, the trick is to help your child learn when, what and how. Read moreThrowing things

  

• Throwing tantrums

  Tantrums are really common with under-fives - and many parents find them hard to deal with. You won't be able to prevent every tantrum, but there are things you can do to make them less likely. And we've also got tips for keeping your cool when they do happen. Read moreThrowing tantrums

  

• Hitting

  Hitting is often how kids show their frustration. It's often hard not to overreact, but how you handle will affect how long the hitting continues. Here are some ways to prevent your child hitting and what to do when they lash out. Read moreHitting

  

• Misbehaving

  Sometimes it may feel like you can't take your kids anywhere. More formal occasions like religious services, weddings or funerals can be particularly hard on young kids – and on you! Here are some ways to reduce stress all round. Read moreMisbehaving

  

• Not tidying up

  When your child drags stuff out and won’t put it back - it can really push your buttons. Depending on their age, you'll need to try different things to help them learn about tidying up. Read moreNot tidying up

  

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