How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

So DS has picked up a habit from a mom I met here. He will now do short loud screams like " Ah, Ah, Ah". This little girl does the same thing and he does it more after we play with them. They play well together and her mom and I get along really well so avoiding them isn't an option.

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

I am dreading when these things happen.

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

I think you should just pick what is acceptable behaviour and what isn't, if the worst thing he is doing is making noises like her, thats okay. If he was hitting, pinching or biting like her, that would be a problem. Still hang out with the mother, enjoy it, but if his behavior gets out of hand, and is dangerous, I would worry at that point.

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

Message edited 8/16/2008 7:25:54 AM.

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

Ooooh, I panic when DS plays with older boys, he is so influential and older kids can be very "silly"....I can't imagine what it will be like when he goes to school.

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

Posted by rojerono

Posted by racheeeee

I think you should just pick what is acceptable behaviour and what isn't, if the worst thing he is doing is making noises like her, thats okay. If he was hitting, pinching or biting like her, that would be a problem. Still hang out with the mother, enjoy it, but if his behavior gets out of hand, and is dangerous, I would worry at that point.

I agree.

My kids often mimic the kids that they encounter - particuarly if they find someone's behavior funny. And it boggles my mind what these two consider 'funny'. As long as it's innocuous behavior - I ignore it. If it's irritating - I will tell them that 'x' is not the kind of thing we do in the house, or at the store or whatever. I don't expect other kids to behave the way I like my children to behave and I don't expect other mother's to have the same 'trigger points' that I do.

I figure this is the way of the world. They will run into 72000 kids - and a lot of them are going to do things that might aggravate me. I can't control anyone else - but I can teach my own children what I feel is acceptable.

Look at these as opportunities to teach your kids what is and isn't appropriate!

Good luck!

Re: How do you handle behavior picked up from other children?

I hate to say it, but they are going to be influenced all their lives. I think it is important to teach them to handle things rather than try to avoid these situations. SOmeday your kid will be the bad influence too.

I don't necessarily think screaming Ah is such a bad thing.