A healthy, safe environment in a pre-school can facilitate children’s needs by developing necessary skills to develop their social and behavioral milestones. Taking turns, politeness, sharing and making choices are the ordinary preschool activities that offer opportunities for the development of these milestones.
Methods of developing self-discipline in children include: %u2022 Praising the behavior rather than the child %u2022 Encouraging and building a child’s self esteem %u2022 Setting limits according to the child’s age and stage of development %u2022 Using play and games with rules to help the child learn and understand boundaries %u2022 Adults leading by example as children imitate behavior %u2022 Avoiding isolation and humiliation of children %u2022 Being consistent - saying ‘No’ and meaning ‘No’ %u2022 Clarifying expectations and rules of behavior %u2022 Reinforcing positive behavior at all times i.e. display painting, rewards etc %u2022 Reinforcing positive behavior at all times i.e. display painting, rewards etc Day care workers should use these positive methods of discipline which will in turn encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation. On the other hand, using the following as a means of correction is never acceptable: %u2022 Hitting, shaking, biting or any other physical restraint %u2022 Never humiliate, threaten or isolate a child- such emotional punishment is unacceptable %u2022 Depriving child of meals or snacks Unacceptable behaviors i.e. bullying and temper tantrums should be dealt with using a range of strategies. Effective tried and tested methods include: %u2022 Remove the child from the situation or distraction techniques %u2022 Explaining why this behavior is not acceptable %u2022 Offering the child an opportunity to regain control and become calm Biting falls into the category of difficult behavior and your range of approaches for dealing with said behavior would apply to this unsavory activity also. In co-operation with both childcare worker and parents attempt to develop work plans for children who display challenging behavior. Parents should be included, informed and supported to follow work plans for children, if and when appropriate. Where necessary additional support may be sought by referral to other professionals. The support of professional help should not be regarded negatively by the day care or parents.
The childcare worker should be supported to work on a one to one basis with a child who may be biting or displaying other challenging behavior over an agreed period of time. The childcare worker will specifically engage the child in extending their interests and helping the child to avoid the behavior. Difficult and challenging behaviors, both in adults and children, respond positively to calm, constructive, consistent actions. Be patient, be vigilant, stick to your guns and you will out!
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- Rene Sandan
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