Child Behavior When Your Child Touches Everything

Child Behavior When Your Child Touches Everything

When your child starts to walk a new world open up to him. He begins to explore and touch everything in sight. Casseroles, lids, clothes, toilette paper, and facial tissues nothing is off limits for your toddler. Parents anticipate and wonder if this type of behavior is normal. The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” During the first two years your child has developed his curiosity and is now exploring through the senses.

Now that your toddler is walking, he is grabbing at everything in range. He discovers the properties of objects such as texture, sound, density, taste, and odor. This is why it is important to find a stimulating and secure environment for your child. Removing anything that may be dangerous and replacing and offering objects that your child can safely explore is the approach you can apply.

Approach for the Child

Your toddler also needs a set of consistent and stable rules. Briefly explain the rules by stating for example, “I do not want you to touch…(so and so) because you could get hurt.” When your child is about to potentially endanger or create a mess, redirect him by offering something else such as paper for coloring in order to avoid a colorful mural in the kitchen.

Between two to three years of age, your child needs your guidance and in curbing his impulses. Sometimes a simple look can be sufficient. He can also start to generalize about rules. He will understand for example, that if you forbid him to touch the television remote control he must also not touch the DVD.

Between three to fours years of age, your child can better conduct himself and remember the rules. You will surely notice that certain children move around non-stop they need to touch and manipulate objects in order to channel their energy. If this is the case for your child, physical activities and sensory games playing (water games, modeling dough, playing with a ball) will help him release excess energy.

When the exploration phase is gone, it is possible that your child will intentionally do silly things in order to provoke and test the limits. For example, your child touches a vase he should not while looking at you and smiles. You may want to caution your child about the act and give him the opportunity to reconsider. Then repeat firmly what is prohibited.

Sometimes your child may act out to attract your attention while you are occupied with the newborn, work or other tasks to get reprimanded.

Your child is actually seeking and needs positive attention. The best way to handle this situation is to tell your child when you will be available to share an activity with him. For instance you can say, “After supper Mommy will help you make a puzzle with you.” Communicate your enthusiasm and pleasure of spending quality time with your child.

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