IN THIS ISSUE
Successive Approximations Principle: Try not to expect perfection. Acknowledge and praise children’s steps toward the kinds of behavior you want to encourage, and give them credit for what they’ve done well.
- If your child cleans up his own toys before bedtime, focus on his great effort and personal responsibility, not the fact that some crayons got mixed in with the train tracks.
Get on the Child’s Eye Level Principle: When you need to get your child’s attention, or talk to her about her behavior, kneel down on her eye level rather than towering over her or yelling from across the room. This will help the child hear your words rather than just being intimidated by you. - Take the time to get down on her level and explain why sitting at the table while eating her snack is important, or kneel to talk to your child in the grocery store about why he needs to stay close to the cart.
Preparation Principle: Let your child know ahead of time what kinds of behavior you expect in a given situation, particularly when it is a new or especially tempting situation. - For example, if you’re going out to a restaurant, help your child understand what types of behavior you expect by playing “restaurant” at lunchtime that day to demonstrate indoor voices. You’ll also help set your child up for good behavior by bringing along an activity like a coloring book or travel game.
Source: Dr. Kersey’s 101s and www.the101s.net
READY FOR SCHOOL
READY FOR LIFE