Positive Discipline
Me: "Ella, would you like to set the table for lunch?"
Girl: "No, I don't want to help." (Storms off)
Boy: "Ella, I see that you feel frustrated."
Girl: (Forcefully) "No, I'm not frustrated."
Boy: "How could I help you feel happy?"
Girl: "Well, I can't get off my shoe."
Boy: "Let's try together."
Yes, this actually happened...with 3 year olds! I could do nothing but stand in the kitchen mouth agape. Obviously there many ways I could have dealt with her initial rudeness and choice of words, but, what she was really trying to express was that she couldn't get her shoe off, and it was hurting her foot. Her peer, acknowledged and validated her feelings of hurt/pain/anger etc, and offered to help. Together, they used their tools to help solve a problem without ever needing me. And let's face it, not being needed at this age is enough to make you shout with joy!
In our world, words are everywhere and mean everything. In a toddler's world, they are still trying to figure out what all of these emerging emotions mean, how they can express them, what they are allowed to do with them, etc. Positive Discipline provides them the tools to have control over their actions and how to react to one another.
You do this...
and I'll do this...
You apologize, and then I will give you the toy. You now have a gold star, but if you talk, I will take it away. The gratification and consequences are not external, but rather are internal. Based on the choices they make, they accept the logical consequences. I, the adult, do not control what makes you feel happy, mad, sad, etc. I am the guide that helps to provide you with the tools you need to make the right decision.
Children are good and are striving to do the right thing, but often times they don't know what to apply when, and we mis-interpret them. So here are, hopefully, some helpful tools for your discipline toolbox.
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| Positive Discipline in the Classroom page 73 |
In our world, words are everywhere and mean everything. In a toddler's world, they are still trying to figure out what all of these emerging emotions mean, how they can express them, what they are allowed to do with them, etc. Positive Discipline provides them the tools to have control over their actions and how to react to one another.
Below are books that I have read or are reading on the subject. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But I have seen great success in myself and children.
Be At Peace!
Dru
This was very helpful, thank you!
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