Self Control: Some Suggestions

Teaching Children Self-Control

Taken from www.ehow.com

            Children need to learn young how to control their bodies and environment. It is the parent or caregiver’s responsibility to help children control aggression and learn other techniques to express their emotions.

Steps:

1.      Model appropriate behavior. Children imitate what they see and experience. Aggressive discipline will result in aggressive behavior in children toward other children and even the parent.

2.      Inspect your house or classroom for possible aggression traps. Is there enough room for children to play together and independently? Are there enough materials for each child to interact with? Does each child receive an equal amount of positive attention from the caregiver?

3.      Teach children control early. As soon as a child throws his or her first temper tantrum, begin to talk about different situations and the emotions they evoke. Say things like, “It’s OK to be angry when your tower falls, but throwing blocks is not nice. Try again. Ms. Amy doesn’t like biting. Biting hurts. Hitting is not nice. Please don’t use your hands that way.” Use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling is a form of aggression.

4.      Intervene immediately. When a child becomes aggressive toward others or toward his or her own body have a time out period to calm down before discussing the behavior and alternative behaviors.

5.      Focus your attention on the hurt child. Even negative attention will reinforce aggressive behavior. Put the aggressor in time out, walk away, and comfort the hurt child. When the aggressor leaves time out with your permission, have him or her do something nice for the hurt child, such as giving a favorite blanket or toy.

6.      Teach children to be assertive and ask for what they want instead of being aggressive and demanding. When a child screams and throws an empty juice cup across the room, say, “Do you want more juice? All you have to do is say, ‘Ms. Amy, can I have more juice?’ And I will get it for you”.

7.      Role-play with older children. Make a list of scenarios and ways to ask for things such as snacks, a drink, or free time. Talk openly with children about feelings and emotions. Discuss different possible responses or refer to the list every time a child uses aggression.

8.      Be consistent. Let the children in your care know that aggression is never tolerated. 

   For more tips check out this link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4782703_teach-kids-selfcontrol.html