Guidance With Children Have you ever heard an adult tell a child “Act Your Age” Children usually do act their age, but adults don’t always know what to expect.

Communicating Positively Use words the child can understand Avoid talking down to the child Be clear. Think in terms of the child’s point of view Be positive and polite. Hearing constant series of DON’Ts and NO’s is discouraging

Give praise and love. Children often tune out adults who only give commands or directions. Limit the directions to those that are essential. Talk about what’s meaningful to the child Give the child to transition to next activity.

Parenting Styles Authoritarian Democratic Permissive

Authoritarian Children will obey parents Without question When rules are broken the parent acts quickly and firmly

Democratic Children have more input into rules Children are given a certain amount of independence and freedom The help set the rules

Permissive Parents give children a wide range of freedom. Children may set their own rules.

To Avoid Having to Punish Praise child for appropriate behavior Childproof home Allow transition time Model the behavior you expect Explain the rules Plan ahead Be sure child can do what you are asking

Ways children learn to behave Direct teaching: Show the child how you want things done Imitation: Child will copy your actions Identification: Child acts like people they admire Trail and Error: try and try again Positive reinforcement: reward appropriate behavior

Instead of Spanking Infants and Toddlers Pick them up and move them to safe place Provided a distraction Use a firm tone of voice Show and tell them what to do

Preschoolers Logical consequences: Let what should naturally happen happen Remove the child from the situation Counting Use humor Loss of privileges Use facial expressions and body language

Misbehavior The child “ Just Do It” They do not always know why

Behavior Problems Misbehavior Bad Behavior Really Bad Behavior