HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT CHILD IN THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM

Preschool children are particularly difficult to manage. They are very active and yet have not developed sufficient insight and understanding to see them out of trouble. Although by this time the child would have started talking, it is unlikely that he/she will be able to communicate much in the form of verbal cues. Most of the behaviour of children is still action based, and hence many such behavioural difficulties may be noticed in preschool toddlers.

An excellent and nurturing environment in a preschool is responsible for facilitating the needs of a child and helping develop the necessary intelligence and emotional quotients so that they can achieve social and behavioural milestones. Taking turns, practising proper behaviour, sharing and making daily choices are just some of the essential preschool activities that provide an institute for holistic development and cultivate important milestones in as the child progresses.

Some helpful methods of developing good self-esteem and discipline in children include the following;

  • Praising the child’s behaviour instead of the child himself is considered more rewarding and explanatory.
  • Encouraging and helping build the children’s self-esteem.
  • Taking into account the children’s stage of development and age when setting boundaries
  • Utilising games and play with basic rules to assist the children in learning and understanding boundaries.
  • Leading by example, children imitate adult behaviour.
  • Never isolate and humiliate a child

Consistency is critical, No means No

Clarify the expectations and behavioural policies

  • Never forget to reward good behaviour

Daycare providers should often make use of these reinforcing methods of discipline which will create and encourage self-control, self-esteem direction and cooperation between children. Using the following bad practices to show correction is never acceptable in any rule book:

  • Using physical restraints to discipline a child
  • Using derogatory elements such as treating or isolating a child- providing emotional punishment
  • Depriving children with meals and snacks

Unacceptable actions such as bullying, throwing a temper tantrum and others should be dealt with by effective and nurturing strategies:

  • Remove the child from the affirmed situation and proper use of distraction technique
  • Explaining why the behaviour is not accepted
  • Offering the child a way to regain control of position and keep calm

One of the most challenging behaviours to categorise is biting, and the ranges of applied behavioural modification mechanisms to correct this can turn out to be unpleasant as well. Children who precipitate a challenging behaviour should, with the involvement of parents and caregivers, agree on a work plan that is specifically designed for the child. Parental involvement is essential and should support their children in following the plans both in the daycare and at home. Most of the time it is necessary to seek specific help from qualified child psychologists or a paediatrician to make sure that your behavioural modification plan is safe and the best solution for the child.

A lot of parents feel it is a cause of alarm when the daycare providers call attention and provide the recommendation of seeking counsel from child development specialists. This must be alleviated by informing concerned parties that this occurrence is relatively common and the best way to correct the behaviour is by working with a qualified professional who has had extensive experience in dealing with the behavioural issue. It is essential to work as a team to create a child-friendly solution.