ADVICE RATING |
  3.79 (May work) from 15 votes (109 Visits) |
When I was a Director of a childcare centre, I often heard parents comment that they wished their child would behave as well at home as at the Centre. It is not uncommon for a child to behave at childcare, but not at home. If your child attends childcare, preschool
or school, this article should interest you.
Why do these differences occur? In part, they are explained by the often disregarded social aspects of behaviour. Some exciting insights have come from educators' observations of young children in groups. It is now believed that infants and toddlers can and do build caring relationships with their peers.
Because behaviour is learned through our contact with others, as is speech, socialisation is a better term for our efforts to change children's behaviour than "discipline" or "behaviour management.
In a group setting, children are able to understand simple rules and delight in their ability to comply with them. Only a few rules relating to safety issues and psychological needs are required Rules are best written in positive, broad terms and should be clearly displayed Examples include: Be kind to one another. Look after belongings. Walk when inside. Use only nice words. Speak quietly inside. Older children should help compile the rules. If a rule is broken, the child should simply be reminded of the rule.
These same methods are equally effective at home, especially if your child attends childcare or preschool. The secret is the reminder of the rules is given in a positive manner. This assumes that the child wishes to follow the rule, but has momentarily forgotten. This method is consistent with the belief that we all like approval and acceptance. Sounds too easy? Try it! It works.
(September 2007) (
