As many of you know, I regularly read and share articles relating to Child Development on the Child Care Exchange.com website. Some of these articles are more scholarly, while many come from a hands-on provider perspective. Today's article, written by Mary Gertsen, a professional with 26 years experience, is a little of both.
Parents and professionals alike want children to be successful in school and life, and we recognize that in order for that to happen, we must teach them the skills they need to develop socially and emotionally. We are most effective and get the best results when we have realistic expectations, encourage positive behaviors, are proactive instead of reactive and teach with respect.
"It is important to give children the respect they deserve. Adults who are in control of their emotions are less likely to react hastily. They remain calm, evaluate the situation and proceed with caution (These sound like positive behaviors, don't they?). These folks also remember to use words that demonstrate respect (please, thank you, I'm sorry). Children learn most quickly through observation, so in reframing our words, or telling children what to do, instead of what not to do ("Please hang up your coat," instead of "Don't put your coat on the floor."), we are modeling the behavior that we want children to learn and use. We are giving (and teaching) children respect.
Mary Gertsen's article has a lot of good tips and examples. I hope you'll take a few minutes and check it out. http://childcareexchange.com/resources/view_article.php?article_id=5019770.
Chanelle Carlin works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services. She has over 30 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally. Chanelle holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in History from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon as well as a Master of Arts in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
