As a Registered Childminder, I recognise the need to set reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care. The children will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up.
I do not and will not administer physical punishment or any form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor anykind of humiliating or hurtful treatment, to any child in my care.
Setting a good example - By being a good role model. Young children are more likely to mirror our actions rather than what we say.
Give praise - Look out for good behaviour/work (catch them being good). We can prevent undesirable behaviour from becoming a habit by not giving attention for it.
Be consistent - The same reaction to the same situation each time gives children a feeling of security; (you give them the power to predict the future and an ability to avoid unhappy situations). It also helps them to know we mean what we say.
Unacceptable behaviour - Make it clear it's the behaviour that's not wanted rather than the child.
Building self-esteem - Shaming, scolding, hurting and humiliating children can lead to even worse behaviour. Attention, approval and praise build self esteem and a child who feels valued is more likely to behave well.
Positive discipline - Means explaining why, in a calm and controlled manner, at their level when talking to children about their behaviour.
Encourage - But never force a child to say "sorry" you may be teaching them to lie.
Make children aware of their own feelings and other peoples - Ask how they are feeling and give them words to describe their feelings e.g. happy, sad, angry.
An emergency situation will mean - That sometimes, there isn't time for reasoning and children need to recongnise an adult's aurthority and respond to "no".
Rewarding good behaviour - Because rewards are constructive and encourage further effort. Remember when working with children with special needs, frequent small rewards may be necessary to reinforce behaviour.
Set realistic limits - According to age and stage of development, because as children grow and develop, our expectations of them change.
I will always remember that whay may be acceptable behaviour in one culture may be unacceptable in another, and should be discussed with parents/carers and an agreement reached.
