1. Positive Guidance
and
Discipline

2. Reasons for Misbehavior
Stage of Growth: the child is behaving in a normal manner for the stage of growth he/she is in: power, attention, revenge, assumed inadequacy are normal
Unfulfilled Needs: The child’s needs are not being met and she/he is acting out in order to try to get his/her needs met.

3. Reasons for Misbehavior
Environment: The child is uncomfortable in or does not understand his/her environment.
Doesn’t know Better: The child has not been taught the concept he/she is dealing with.

4. Positive Guidance Consistency is the key to guidance
Self-discipline: ability to direct one’s own behavior
Attention is a powerful reinforcer to guide children: they often misbehave for attention
Children may rebel when parents punish rather than discipline
Example: is a very effective way to teach children desired behavior
Respond to aggressive behavior in non-aggressive ways
Discipline: guidance which helps the child learn self-control

5. Types of Guidance
Techniques

6. 1. Natural and Logical Consequences
Natural Consequences: occur without interference, child can see the result of their choices
Logical Consequences: should be relevant to the misbehavior
To make the punishment fit the crime.
Cannot be used if the consequence will cause harm to self, others or property, or too far in the future.
Short in duration, not imposed in anger, provide opportunities for children to learn from their behavior
Example: if Sally spills the paint, she must clean up the mess that is made

7. 2. Positive Statements
Clearly states what is expected, then help them get started
When guiding children, phrase all requests in a positive manner
Talk to children at their eye level when giving directions
Example: say, “Let’s walk to the blocks,” rather than, “Don’t run to the blocks”

8. 3. Redirection Children up to two years old can be easily distracted
Get him to focus on something else.
Example: if he is angry at the blocks area, lead him to a different area of the room and introduce a different activity

9. 4. Reverse Attention
When a child’s behavior is inappropriate, focus on a child who is displaying the appropriate behavior and make a positive comment
Ignoring the negative, reinforcing the positive
If the first child changes his behavior, he should be immediately reinforced with a positive statement.

10. 5. Limited Choices
Do not give him an unlimited choice unless he can really have what is chosen.
Only give choices that are available.
Example: “Do you want juice or water for a drink?” rather than, ‘What would you like to drink?”

11. Use a place where there are no distractions or positive reinforcers
6. Time Out
When a child has disobeyed a rule, she will be sent to a predetermined place to distance herself from the problem and gain composure.
Should be a last option, limited use.