Simple Parenting Strategies That Work

All parents of young children deal with challenging behaviour sometimes. But deciding on the best approach to help your kids improve can be tough — so take a cue from the pros.

Registered early childhood educators plan and deliver play-based learning and care programs in the early learning and child care sector in Ontario. These educators know that when it comes to best supporting children as they develop, the most important thing you can do is foster positive relationships with them.

“We recommend helping children of all ages learn to recognize when they’re starting to feel frustrated or overwhelmed and offering strategies for how to cope with those feelings in a heathy and constructive way,” says Melanie Dixon, director of professional practice at the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Responding to children’s challenging behaviours often means looking beyond the behaviour to discover the potential causes and stressors, and then reacting warmly and supportively. Try actively listening to your kids, provide them with choices, help label emotions, and acknowledge positive behaviours and hard work.

Dixon says these strategies empower children and respect their competence. Empowerment rather than discipline supports children in returning to a state of calm. More importantly, these strategies help your kids develop coping skills and teaches them what to do the next time they experience stress or strong emotions.

Challenging behaviours do not define a child. No child is “good” or “bad.” If the adults in a child’s life can make meaningful connections first, rather than always directing and managing behaviour, challenges become opportunities.

SOURCE: www.newscanada.com