Every child’s step shapes their future. As they explore the world, they need our attention and guidance. Letting them understand the importance of positive behaviour is crucial. It’s about teaching children to discern right from wrong and making good choices. Here are some ways in promoting positive behaviour in early childhood.
5 Ways of Promoting Positive Behaviour in Early Childhood
Focusing on the Positive ActionÂ
When guiding their behaviour, always remember to approach it positively. Give clear, simple instructions that are easy for them to understand. Instead of telling them what NOT to do, focus on what they should be doing.
Tips: Instead of saying, “Don’t run,” you might say, “Please walk.” This way, you’re promoting positive behaviour while also setting clear boundaries.
Redirecting their Attention
Sometimes, children engage in unpleasant behaviours simply because they’re bored or don’t know what else to do. In such cases, redirection can be an effective strategy. For example, if a child is being disruptive, you could divert their attention to a more constructive and engaging activity.
Tips: Say, “Let’s draw a picture together,” or “How about we read a book?” The key here is to offer alternatives that are not only enjoyable but also enriching.
Promoting Positive and Prosocial Choices
Encourage your child to make prosocial choices—actions that benefit others. Teach them about sharing, helping, and being kind to others. Use real-life situations as teaching moments.
Tips: If a child is not sharing a toy, you could say, “How about we take turns playing with the toy? That way, everyone gets a chance.” By doing this, you’re nurturing empathy and teaching them the value of cooperation.
RewardingÂ
Rewarding for good behaviour comes in many forms. One of them is acknowledging and praising the little ones. A reward can also be a smile, a hug, or words of encouragement. When children feel appreciated, they are motivated to repeat positive actions.
Tips: Say things like, “I’m proud of you for sharing your toys,” or “You did a great job cleaning up.” It boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to repeat these positive behaviours.
Teaching Them to Reflect on Poor Choices
It’s important to reflect on poor choices and discuss how to avoid them in the future. It should be done in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. If a child makes a mistake, talk about it gently and in private. Ask them how they could handle the situation differently next time. It encourages self-reflection and problem-solving skills.
Encourage Positive Behaviour Through Positive Guidance
Promoting positive behaviour in early childhood can sometimes be challenging, but it’s necessary for your child’s well-being and overall development. It’s about creating an environment where your child feels loved, understood, and guided towards becoming a responsible and considerate individual.Â
Remember, the goal is not to control them but to guide them towards making positive decisions. The small, consistent efforts significantly impact their growth and development.
At Amaze, our love for children drives our commitment to fostering nurturing environments that support their learning and growth. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing your child with a supportive, safe and loving environment to learn and develop. We also encourage positive behaviour through positive guidance, helping your child manage their behaviour and feelings.
