Ask the Expert

Q: My child seems to be learning some bad habits from the other kids at daycare. What can I do?

A: First, make sure you have a solid relationship with your child's caregiver. I can't stress that enough. That foundation will help you deal with many issues effectively.

In this case, immediately go to the caregiver and ask her what she is doing about the bad habit, whatever it might be. Hopefully you'll be happy with how she is handing the situation, and you can address it the same way at home. Otherwise, you need to come up with your own ways to deal.

Let's say your child comes home with a bite on his arm, and proceeds to bite you that same evening. Immediately tell your child, "No, biting hurts." Put him down and walk away. NEVER bite back -- modeling the behavior is a bad thing.

If your child starts using bad words, don't make a big deal about it. If you act shocked, you've just handed a key to that child. Ignore it the first time. If it continues say, "We don't use those words at home. You don't hear mommy and daddy say those words." And make sure that is the truth.

And never tell another parent that their child taught yours a bad habit.

Patricia Hearron, PhD, professor of child development and early childhood education in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, has been involved in childcare and early education for over 30 years.