Articles from GBE Friends

A child can be taught the necessary skills to develop their social and behavioral milestones in a healthy safe preschool environment. 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 Instead of praising the child, praise the behavior %u2022 Encouraging and building a child's self esteem %u2022 Take into account a child's age and stage of development when setting limits %u2022 Using play and games with rules to help the child learn and understand boundaries %u2022 Children will imitate adult behavior so lead by example %u2022 Avoiding isolation and humiliation of children %u2022 When you say 'No'!mean it. Consistency is key. %u2022 Clarifying expectations and rules of behavior %u2022 Always reward good behavior Day care workers should use these positive methods of discipline which will in turn encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation. It is not, nor never should be acceptable to use the following as a means of correction: %u2022 Hitting, shaking, biting or any other physical restraint %u2022 Mental or emotional punishment such as humiliating, isolating or threatening a child %u2022 Depriving child of meals or snacks Have a range of strategies for dealing with behavior which falls short of expectations i.e. temper tantrums and bullying. Effective tried and tested methods include: %u2022 Distracting or removing the child from the environment %u2022 Explaining why this behavior is not acceptable %u2022 Giving the child the chance to calm down and regain control The range of approaches mentioned would apply when dealing with the unpleasant behavior that is 'biting' - this being deemed pretty difficult behavior also. Children who display challenging behavior should have, with the involvement of parents and carers, a work plan developed specifically for them. When appropriate, parents should be involved, informed and supported to follow these work plans at home. Sometimes it is necessary to seek additional support in the form of outside specialists. This is not a negative thing and should be supported by parents and provider and a positive way forward.

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!