Whole Child Development
So what do you do about a toddler who suddenly says “NO” to everything? Here are some of my thoughts featured in this month’s First Friday Q&A.
(Those who pay close attention will notice this growing baby boy is using up some of my lung capacity. :0)
Because I follow the brilliant Janet Lansbury on Facebook, I have come across several interesting posts about praise recently. In one of those, Lisa Sunbury of Regarding Baby shared her thoughts in Praise Not , a read I would recommend. All this reading got me thinking about praise.
I attended a staff meeting recently where we discussed the prevalent zero-tolerance policies in schools today, and the trickle down effect it has on preschools. We had read some interesting articles in advance (which you can find here, here, and here) and used those as a springboard to talk about the variety of policies schools implement to address difficult behaviors.
In the last post, I wrote about the difference between discipline and punishment, an important distinction for positive parenting.
In my ebook I discuss the importance of developing intrinsic motivation in our children. It’s widely accepted that children shouldn’t be bribed because it can reinforce power struggles and negative behaviors. But at the same time, positive reinforcement and celebrating accomplishments can also be powerful tools. This can sometimes be confusing for parents and teachers of young children. So I asked a few writers I know who are also mindful, intentional parents and professionals to weigh in on how they balance these concepts in their own personal and professional philosophies.
Each one offers a great perspective to the discussion. I’d love to have you add your perspective as well!
Well here it is! There were so many great questions and so little time! I’ve supplemented with some links below. Please add your links and input in the comment section as well!
A friend of mine recently told me his sister was extremely worried about her son’s behavior. He was bouncing off the walls, getting into mischief, and extremely stubborn. After some time stewing over her predicament, her mother gave her a call.
It started quite simply really. Showing my son a few educational videos I found online. Then some educational games. Now my oldest son has become rather adept at using the computer to find his favorite games and sites, and would gladly play all day long if he were allowed. I’m sure there are some benefits to his new-found love: he learns some educational concepts and has some technology proficiency I suppose. He may even have more computer know-how than his grandmother. But I just don’t like letting him have too much computer time. (Ironic I know, given the fact that I probably spend more time on the computer than anyone else in the house.)
Thank you so much for your comments on challenging child behaviors. I’m currently working on an eBook based on Positive Guidance, and hope to incorporate your input. Here is one aspect that will be addressed in the book.
Kids lose it. They cry. And that can be a stressful thing. Especially when you were already on your last nerve sometime yesterday. But there’s something I hear parents say that makes me cringe a little. It comes in many forms: “No tears,” “Big boys don’t cry,” or the many other variations of “Stop crying now.” It’s understandable to a degree. The crying is stressful. But there are a few things we have to realize.
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