Guiding Children's Behaviour

I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Stuart just prior to the holidays, a Child Development and Behaviour Specialist.  With over 26 years teaching and guiding pre-schoolers behaviour and development, I'm excited to have Mary as a new contact (and hopefully business partner in the near future too!).  As a parent of 2 pre-schoolers I appreciate her words of wisdom and mentorship.  Below I've copied her New Years Newsletter to share with you.  


KNOWLEDGE IS POWER- by Mary Stuart, E.C.E.D.H.  childlife.ca

Confidence or more confidence is what most parents and teachers desire when asked about guiding children’s behaviour.

There is a plethora of information on the market with “new” theories, techniques, and “nanny” type shows which seem to focus on a “quick-fix”, or a special “technique” solution.

Children and their behaviour require more than a quick tip or fix!

Knowledge and Understanding of children's development and behaviour gives parents and teachers CONFIDENCE!
When you understand why children do the things they do, you have the knowledge to find the right solution to correct and change behaviour without all the drama!


Knowledge helps you:

• Gain the necessary insight into the child’s perspective
• Maintain control over your emotions, thoughts and actions
• Become successful as a child guider, supportive disciplinarian and ultimate developer of a child’s optimum potential

When children make sense, we feel more empowered to guide them to what is it we want them to do in a more calm, confident, competent way.


5 Tips to Help You Build Your Confidence

1. Next time a child is driving you crazy ask, “What is he/she communicating through this behaviour?  What is the problem?  Who owns the problem?”
2. Take a deep breath so you will put oxygen in your brain in order for you to maintain your composure and to think before you speak.
3. Ask yourself, “What do I want this child to do. What do I want to happen? What do I need to teach?”  Then do it!
4. Review the results:  “How did this work?  How can I improve? What do I need to do the next time to make it more successful?”
5. TIME TOGETHER! This is more valuable psychologically, physiologically, developmentally and spiritually than almost anything else!

Challenging behaviours decrease when you spend more time together having fun!

In just 5 more minutes a day with a child, immediate results begin with a preschooler, school ager, tween and teen!
Take the time to BE Together – your child will thank you. It doesn’t matter what “it” is. Dance, sing, read, play…

Now when you need to set the boundaries and be the parent/teacher, you can with confidence knowing you know your child inside and out.

These are just a few things that can help you be a more confident, competent parent and teacher!

Happy New Year!

Mary
Mary Stuart, E.C.E.D.H., RECE
childlife.ca…Solutions 4 Life with kids!
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© Copyright 2010 by Mary Stuart, E.C.E.D.H., childlife…solutions 4 life with kids! Reprinted with permission from the childlife Newsletter. Visit www.childlife.ca