Guidance Challenges

Causes of Behavioral Problems Overstimulation/overexcitement Breaks in routines Noise – Children react differently to noise, some are more sensitive to it than others Waiting time

Frustration – Children may feel discouraged, defeated, or like they are out of control Physical problems – Hearing, vision problems, medications,

Helping children cope with stress Calmly accept the child’s behavior if possible Talk to child about their feelings and help them recognize and deal with those feelings Reassure child that you care about him/her Offer comfort, closeness and encouragement Provide a supportive, affectionate environment Effective praise

Specific Problems: Negativism Children saying “no” to everything or doing the opposite of what they are asked Accept a child’s negative behavior, if not harmful If it is something they must do for safety and health, let the child know through your voice and body language that you expect cooperation Do not hurry a negative child

Specific Problems: Stealing Preschool children do not know the difference between mine and yours If you notice something missing, alert other childcare workers To handle stealing, help children learn to respect the possessions of others Minimize opportunities for stealing

Specific Problems: Anger Discourage hurting behaviors If they do hit another, stop them immediately Ignore outbursts Redirect anger through activities that involve the use of the child’s hands

Specific Problems: Biting Often bite when upset You can address this problem at a class meeting Let the children have signal if they think someone is about to bite them Limit number of playmates during play time Isolate the biter

Specific Problems: Tattling Typical behaviors for many children Try to ignore tattling behavior – suggest the child tells the one they are tattling on to do the action.

Specific Problems: Exploring the Body If a child is exploring their body in public, guide that child away from the public Do not shame a child that is exploring their body – gently remind them that it is not polite to do this in public

Specific Problems: Thumbsucking Many children suck their thumbs to relieve tension or stress Do not make a child quit sucking their thumb – it may have the adverse effect and make them want to do it more often Accept and ignore the behavior

Specific Problems: Fear Common childhood fears include falling from high places, putting faces in water, thunder, the dark, ambulances, or animals. Fear of the unknown Help these children curb their fear (i.e., children who are afraid of the dark should have a small light kept on for them) Accept their fears Talk to children about their fears and explain it to them