It's a common scenario for many a harassed mother. You're in the supermarket and your little darling starts playing up. But forget the naughty step or cool-off corner. The best way to handle misbehaving toddlers is to treat them like a dog, according to advice from a leading animal charity.
They claim that, because young children and animals are unable to communicate verbally, both need to be shown what is and is not acceptable behaviour. The deputy head of behaviour at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Pat Moore, said:
“Becoming a dog owner or a new parent puts people under pressure. Neither puppies or toddlers can be expected to immediately know how to behave in certain situations and need clear, consistent guidance.
"The key is to use more simplified verbal communication and distinctive body language. The tone of voice is key, along with your facial expressions. If you are giving a command, you don't need to yell and shout but you should make sure your voice is firm and your meaning clear.”
She claimed the key to training a dog and a child from running you ragged is 'positive reinforcement'.
Attention-seeking behaviour also needs to be dealt with consistently. One frazzled mother who worked from home found her daughter had a tantrum every time she was told to be quiet during a conference call. Instead of bribing the girl with toys or sweets, the woman was advised to use dog handling techniques instead.
Alison Russell, another behaviourist at Battersea, said: “Child psychology and dog behaviour are, of course, complex and very individual subjects but there are also some startling similarities between them which can be tackled with simple behavioural techniques.”
Sue Atkins, parenting coach and author of Raising Happy Children for Dummies, said that in basic terms she agreed with the advice.“It's an interesting question and I have laughed at times about the similarities between puppies and children. In the sense of who's in control and knowing what you want to communicate, I would agree with what is being said. Obviously you don't want to take the analogy too far, but on a basic level you can make comparisons.”
If you need help and advice on the most effective means of bringing up your children, you can attend the Happy Parenting meetings taking place at 11am on Saturdays. Please call 020 7686 6000 for locations.
