Top 5 Weirdly Useful Behavior Tips for Young Kids

(That Actually Work—and Might Surprise You)

Raising young kids can feel like a rollercoaster ride—equal parts joyful, exhausting, confusing, and hilarious. While every child is unique, there are a few unexpected behavior strategies that work wonders across the board.

At Thrive Behavioral Consultants, we specialize in in-home, in-community, and telehealth parent coaching services in Jacksonville, St. Johns County, and throughout Florida. These five weirdly useful tips are favorites among families who want real-life tools that reduce power struggles and build stronger connections.

1. When “No” Doesn't (Always) Mean "No”

You don’t have to hold firm every single time you say “no.” Yes, really. In fact, it can be incredibly effective to occasionally change your mind—but only when your child responds to your “no” with calm acceptance.

💡 Try this:If your child asks for a snack or screen time and you say no, watch how they respond. If they stay calm, praise them:

“I love how you handled that.”

Then, just 5–10% of the time, surprise them:

“You know what? Because you stayed so calm, let’s go ahead and do it.”

This encourages emotional regulation, builds trust, and reinforces the idea that calmness and resilience—not whining or tantrums—can lead to good things.

2. The “Ouch!” Strategy for Minor Injuries

When kids get a bump or bruise, the way we react teaches them how to feel about it. Overreact, and they may panic. Brush it off, and they'll feel invalidated.

💡 Try this: Walk over calmly and say,

“Ouch! You bumped your head. That hurts.”

Then pause. Don’t rush to fix it. Don’t tell them they’re fine.

A neutral but empathetic reaction allows them to feel their feelings without confusion. If you minimize the hurt, they may escalate just to feel believed. But a calmly acknowledging their hurt tells them: “I see you and believe you. I’m here.”

3. The Pick-Up Pause: Don't Bombard Them with Questions

After school or time apart, we’re eager to hear all about our child’s day—but questions like “Did you have fun?” or “Who did you play with?” can feel overwhelming.

💡 Try this instead:

“I’m so happy to see you!”

Then wait. Sit quietly. Let them decompress.

Connection comes before communication. When you create space instead of pressure, kids are more likely to open up naturally—and often more fully—once they feel grounded with you.

4. Practice Makes (Really, Really Good)

We often expect children to apply big skills (like staying calm or waiting their turn) in tough moments—but we forget that learning happens best when the stakes are low.

💡 Try this:Pick one skill. Break it down into simple steps. Practice in a playful way.

“Let’s pretend your tower fell down—what should we do first? Take a breath? Ask for help?”

Make it predictable. Make it fun. Practicing in small, manageable pieces helps kids feel successful—and ready to apply those skills when they really need them.

5. When No Really Does (Always) Mean No—For Your Child’s Body

If your child says “no” to being tickled, hugged, kissed, or roughhoused—even in play—respect that “no” immediately. It might feel harmless, but these moments are how children learn that they’re in charge of their own bodies.

💡 Try this:If they say “Stop!”—even while laughing—pause and say,

“Okay, I’m stopping. Thanks for telling me.”

Respecting their “no” teaches them how to self-advocate, that their voice matters, and how to respect others' boundaries too. It also builds trust: when your child knows they can trust you to stop, they learn to trust themselves to speak up.

This is one of the most powerful ways to build body autonomy, emotional safety, and mutual respect. If they want more tickles, trust us, they'll ask!

Final Thoughts

These five strategies may seem unconventional, but they’re rooted in empathy, connection, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re dealing with tantrums, transitions, or social skills, weirdly useful tips like these can transform how your child responds—and how you feel as a parent.

At Thrive Behavioral Consultants, we’re here to walk alongside you with real support and practical tools. We offer in-home and community-based coaching in Jacksonville and St. Johns County, as well as telehealth services across Florida.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation and see how compassionate, flexible parent coaching can help your family thrive.