Why Do Children Get Irritated And Behave In A Cranky Way

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Children form an important part of any family. They are the special members in a family and are given all the attention and time they deserve by the elders of the family. Despite all this we find children get irritated and behave in a cranky way. Let us understand some of the reasons why they would behave so and whether it is a genuine issue of whether it  is a habit which has been formed over a period of time and has not been corrected by parents or other elders of the family when they should have nipped the problem in the bud. There are different situations which lead to this and let know why.

Generally children of any age group when they are denied what they have asked they get irritated and behave in a cranky way. They do this because the main reason here is that there is a need or want which is not being fulfilled which is the trigger for this reaction from the children. For example if a child is annoyed because if the parent is not giving proper food or water or other such essentials then it is the duty of the parents or elders duty  to see to it that they are provided such basic necessities. But if the child is asking for something like a cake which is costly to the family or wants to go to the movies or is asking the family to buy a big ticket item again and again then it is a want and the child can live without the same too.

He or she has to be told that these sort of things can be bought if one has the budget as they are big ticket and if the family spends all the money on such a things then they cannot have food for the rest of the days as all the money is spent there. You can offer a solution by telling that you will give some money to the child and if he saves one day he can definitely but the item he wants. Generally many of the children are understanding and will agree and understand what is being said but if a child creates tantrums and says he wants the same at any cost now. The elders can simply tell the child to take a walk as they too are annoyed and irritated with him and hence they too are being cranky like him. If he is good they too will behave the same way with him. The child will get the message and keep quiet.

In some cases the child is bullied or irritated by others while playing. This is a normal scenario which all of us would have also faced as children. If the others are of the same group generally they patch up and forget about the issue and are back at play so do not bother much. But in some cases it is possible the bullies are grown up children who are troubling the child. Tell the child that you are the playing and this is part of the package which one usually gets. Tell him or her you get all sorts of characters and the person who is successfully able to be together with children of  different mentalities are the ones who are good at tackling big issues when they grow up. Tell the child when the bullies generally get used to them they usually stop the bullying and also ask the child to give you a feedback of what happens at the playground the next day.

Tell the child to explain the situation exactly as it is and not to add or cook up stories as it creates errors of judgement for you and in the end the child will be scolded for this. If the child again gets irritated and returns cranky and tells you the situation is repeating. Go and tell the bully that you will be meeting his parents if this continues this should stop him but if you find this continues then have a polite chat with the bully’s parents and explain the situation to them. If they are reasonable parents they will rein him and things will work out if they are not so it may continue. Explain you child about this and tell them to have a different set of like minded friends of his or her age group and that should solve the problem for the child.

In a few cases it so happens when the grades are announced in the school the child would have expected good results and would be very eager to see the progress report. But when the same is given and he sees it he finds that he was unable to score as expected and is in a foul mood and is very irritated. When you try to speak to him he gets cranky at you. Do not get angry at his behavior. It is normal he has you only as the outlet to vent his frustrations out so it is Ok. Give him some time and be silent give him a patient hearing and just leave him alone for some time. Later when he is in a position to converse with you just tell him that grades are important but more important than that is his being happy and fine as that is what parents want.

Tell him exams are like matches they come and go but life continues and hence we have to be cool headed and not get ruffled by failures or below par performances. Tell him that you know he is capable of delivering the results hence as a challenge tell him to start preparing for  the next test  from that moment and let us see what he can do. This way his mind gets focused on something which is to be expected and be prepared for rather than brooding over the exam results which are already over. Children generally tend to forget this after a few days and will be back to their usual ways. Make sure you keep reminding them of the bad experience they had and what they are supposed to do and also help them in your own way. That will keep them motivated and they will generally come up with a better if not a great performance.

In some other cases you will find that the child would be suffering health issues and are not having proper appetite or are unable to digest food. They may be having headache or pains or fever too. In such a case it is obvious why they are irritated and cranky. Take them to the doctor give them the best medical care and diet as advised by the doctor spend time with them. Tell them of a little event you have planned for them which is a surprise when they get well. They will get interested in that and try to get well soon. Tell them stories from a comic which they like by the bedside and see that they get complete rest and good sleep. This should see them tide over the health issue and get well soon.

Once they get well give them the surprise when they least expect it. They will love such surprises. And in a matter of days things will be back to normal. At this particular vulnerable moment do not get angry or annoyed with them and give them some leeway too. Its okay to do so once in a few months. I have known of many children who feel very happy when they are unwell as everyone in the family is showering their attention on them.

Which they find rare and they love the treatment being given and would love to get unwell and receive such privilege again. I have heard this from many children when I asked them about it. When I asked what about the fever and pain which they suffer they said it is okay as it is compensated by the attention being given to them and the five star treatment they are getting. I found this very surprising and interesting to hear and observe and hence am sharing the same with you.

Many a times it so happens that when we go out to a movie or would want to watch a match or a live performance by some famous artiste which the child likes we will not get the tickets as it is already sold out. At that time the child will be very eager and be waiting to be there at the event and have a gala time. But when it is told that we did not get the tickets the happiness from the child’s face vanishes in a second and it replaced with disappointment and irritation and when we try to compensate them with something else they get cranky as they wanted something and they are getting something else which they are not interested in at present.

Just take them on a long drive or take them to some other equally amusing or interesting place with a promise that they will be taken to the show which was missed too once the tickets are available. The will generally still not be happy but once they reach the place which is an alternative they usually tend to forget the bad experience and will be back to normal with a face lit up with a big smile as they are having a good time at present and will also be seeing the show or event they like in a few days. The place they are in  will see that they are kept engaged and will return to the home after the visit with a happy frame of mind forgetting the events of the morning which troubled them.

These are some of the reasons which I find children getting  irritated due to and behave in a cranky way. Each situation is unique and if handled in the right way with the right approach they will see reason and appreciate the problem and accept it as bad luck. This will teach them that in life you win some and lose some accept both the situations with a smile and that is the right approach. There are many more such reasons which many of you would have faced too with children, would like to hear about the same from you in the comments section.