Guiding Children’s Behaviour – Educator Tips

During early childhood children grow, change and develop rapidly. Emotional development is where children explore a range of feelings and emotions and learn how to regulate these emotions. They learn about how to interact appropriately with others and may at times push boundaries, test limits and exhibit, what we call ‘big emotions’. This is all part of a child’s journey learning about themselves and the world around them.

As educators, positive behaviour guidance is a foundational part of all our interactions with children. Here are some tips shared by our educators which may be helpful for parents to try at home:

-           Take the time to listen to your child’s need and wants. Sometimes meeting these needs can be simple and can prevent children’s behaviours escalating.

-           Be aware of your child’s non-verbal cues when they are trying to communicate with you. Some children may not yet have the words to express what they are feeling, but they will communicate this in other ways.

-           Teach children breathing techniques and other calm down strategies. This can be counting, singing songs, looking for patterns, etc

-           If needing to regulate a child with ‘big emotions’, ensure YOU are regulated first.

-           Come down to your child’s eye level to communicate with them. Use a calm, clear voice and keep your directions simple and age appropriate.

-           Offer children choices. It will help them feel like they are in control.

-           Communicate simple expectations for children to follow and be consistent with ensuring these are followed.

-           Role model behaviours. Use your own behaviour to guide your child and praise them when you see positive behaviours.

-           Predict situations where challenging behaviour is likely to occur. Try to avoid situations that you know will trigger your child.

-           Distract and redirect. A great tip for younger children, divert negative behaviour with a new positive activity or experience to shift their focus.

-           Teach your child to understand and express their emotions in healthy ways. Validate their feelings and practice with them healthy ways to express their feelings, in particular by using their words.

With ongoing positive behaviour guidance from adults, children will develop emotional security and emotional intelligence that will be of benefit to them throughout their lives.