When Preschoolers Start Destroying Things

It is often seen that children break or destroy things around the house. Some children not only break toys but household items as well. It may not be a deliberate act.

Children need to be taught how to play constructively and creatively with their toys instead of breaking them. It helps to discipline the child. This process can start when the child is as old as 9 months. Here are some tips to effective discipline and help to prevent children from breaking things.

Offer toys like Lego, blocks, stacking and nesting toys to the child. These can be pulled apart and put back together. They are not breakable, at the same time, they offer opportunities to explore, open, and dismantle stuff to satisfy their curiosity. Creative play helps stimulate the brain and prevent kids from getting into mischief.

Teach the child about the uses of his/her toys. If a child is taught that books are not meant to be torn or that chalk is used to write on a board but not on the wall, he/she understands their uses and is less likely to misuse the toys. These rules help the child navigate his/her way around the toys.

Set limits for your child. As early as 9 months, teach the child through reinforcement that there are items in the house that are beyond limits for them. Constant reinforcement allows the child to understand that things like a VCR or other such similar gadgets are not playthings.

The child learns to respect the value attached to things around the house. It helps to supervise the child at all times and gently guide him/her when there is a likelihood of destruction.

If by chance, any precious household item falls prey to your child’s hands, do not fret. Be patient with the child. However, make it clear that you’re unhappy with his/her behavior (not with them). Use this, as a teaching opportunity. Explain the importance of caring for one’s belongings. This will make him/her realize that this deed was not appreciated and that it is imperative to be careful around one’s belongings.

Recent Articles

Dealing with Rebellious Teenage Children
If you have a teenage child, you will have found that it is difficult to discipline him/her. This is the stage when the teens start looking for


How to Sterilize Baby Bottles
Babies are extremely susceptible to various bacterial, viral and parasitic infections in the first year of their life. These infections


5 Biggest Myths about Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning for a baby, then you will hear a lot of old wives’ tales. There are many myths surrounding pregnancy


Planning The Perfect Baby Shower
Holding a baby shower is often a stressful thing for the new mothers. In earlier days, baby shower was planed and organized by the elders in the family.


Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation is a common problem that many women suffer from, during pregnancy. More than 50% of the women suffer from this

What's More today?

Make Up Steps for Looking at Your Best

We all want to look at our best.  Make up is an essential part of your everyday routine. Here is how... 

How to Prevent Sinus Congestion and Headache

Sinus problems can be an immense inconvenience in leading a normal day to day life. They affect us in... 

Tress Essential – Essential Oils for Hair Care

A great deal of attention and effort goes into maintaining a full head of shiny and healthy hair. If... 

Foods Which Trigger a Migraine Attack

A migraine attack can leave the sufferer feeling as if their head is about to explode. People suffering... 

Going Blonde: Tips and Technique

Blonde hair is the most sought after hair color in the world and only 2 percent of the population has... 

Stylish Must Have Blazers

Blazers have become an integral part of a stylish wardrobe. They have an elegance in themselves that... 

Dealing with Rebellious Teenage Children

If you have a teenage child, you will have found that it is difficult to discipline him/her. This is... 

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods

A bright smile can capture people’s hearts. A pearly white smile can enhance a woman’s beauty. Maintaining... 

A Few Things To Keep In Mind While Applying Wedding Make Up

For how long have you planned your wedding? As a girl probably you have been planning ever since the... 

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles

Babies are extremely susceptible to various bacterial, viral and parasitic infections in the first year... 

Stay Healthy and Beautiful the Yoga Way

Gaining weight can be a constant bother for all of you. However, when you think deeply and sincerely... 

Dating a Taurus Man

If you really want someone in your life, who will be completely dedicated to you. Then it is time you... 

Dating a Scorpio Woman

The experience of dating a Scorpio woman is indeed very different from dating the woman of a different... 

5 Biggest Myths about Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning for a baby, then you will hear a lot of old wives’ tales. There are... 

Different Types of Mud Treatments

Mud treatments are gaining immense popularity through out the world. Mud treatment refers to the application...