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How Our Daycare Deals with Challenging Behaviors in Children

Writer's picture: Qiana LeeQiana Lee

As a parent and daycare provider, managing challenging behaviors in children is a daunting task. It can be frustrating when your child doesn't listen, throws tantrums, or engages in other disruptive behaviors. But with the right strategies, it's possible to help your child thrive and develop positive behaviors. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some strategies we use to manage children’s behaviors.



Set Clear Expectations


Clear and consistent expectations are key to helping children behave appropriately. By setting expectations and communicating them in a positive and age-appropriate way, kids can better understand what is expected of them. For example, if you want your child to understand why they shouldn't put toys in their mouths, you could explain, "We don’t put toys in our mouths because the saliva will stay on the toys, and it may spread germs to other children when they play with them. We want to keep our friends healthy and safe."


Using real-life stories and examples can also help children understand why certain behaviors are expected of them. For instance, you could share a story about a friend who got sick after putting a toy in their mouth, or explain how germs can spread from person to person. By providing context and making the information relatable, children can better understand why certain behaviors are important.


Use Positive Reinforcement


Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can encourage your child to continue engaging in positive behaviors. When you praise and reward your child for their positive actions, you are sending a message that you value and appreciate their efforts. This can help build their self-esteem and confidence, and motivate them to continue behaving positively.


It's important to make sure your praise and rewards are meaningful to your child. For example, some children may be motivated by extra playtime, while others may prefer a small treat or sticker. Consider your child's interests and preferences when choosing rewards, and try to vary them to keep things interesting.


It's also important to be specific when praising your child. Instead of simply saying "good job," try to be more descriptive and specific about what they did well. For example, you could say, "I really liked how you shared your toy with your friend. That was very kind of you." This helps your child understand exactly what they did well, and encourages them to continue engaging in positive behaviors in the future. However, it's important to strike a balance when using praise and rewards. Overusing praise or using rewards for every positive behavior can actually decrease their effectiveness over time.


Provide Structure and Routine


Establishing consistent routines can help children feel safe and secure because they know what to expect, and it gives them a sense of control and predictability. Routines provide a structure for children to follow, which helps them learn important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and self-discipline.


When children are unsure about what is going to happen next, they may become anxious or act out, which can lead to disruptive behaviors. At our daycare, we have a structured routine before lunch time, where children first clean up toys, line up next to the sink, and wait to wash their hands before going to the dining table. By creating a predictable routine, children feel more in control of their environment and can focus on learning and playing.


Practice Positive Discipline


Positive discipline focuses on teaching kids appropriate behaviors rather than punishing them for misbehavior.


One effective positive discipline technique is natural consequences, which involve allowing children to experience the natural outcome of their actions. For example, if your child refuses to clean up their toys, the natural consequence might be that they can't play with the toys for the rest of the day. This teaches them that their actions have consequences, without resorting to punishment or shaming.


This approach helps children learn that their actions have consequences, and it encourages them to make better choices in the future.


Final Thoughts


Managing challenging behaviors in children can be tough, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, it's possible to help your child thrive and develop positive behaviors. Remember that every child is unique, and it may take time and experimentation to find what works best for your child. But by prioritizing your child's well-being and development, you can create a positive and supportive environment that helps your child thrive. So don't be afraid to try new strategies and seek support when needed. With your love and guidance, your child can develop into a happy, healthy, and well-behaved individual.


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