The Creative Classroom

Yes, you can be both!

Early childhood educators and parents have wonderful opportunities to help children develop positive self image and good self-esteem. Today’s post includes tips to help young children build these skills, which will ultimately produce positive friendships. From toddler to kindergarten classes, teachers can see obvious signs of leadership from some children while others are happy to take the path of least resistance. The world needs leaders, and it also needs voices who speak up when they disagree. Teaching children to speak up with kindness can build crucial skills to help them find their voice and get what they need from others.

Assertiveness: Teaching a child to be assertive or self assured does not have to be related to pushy or bossy behavior. It is teaching children to tell people what they want and need or even just “No”. This is a hard skill for people of all ages, but if reinforced early it can become more natural. Encourage children to speak their mind in respectful ways.

Lead by example: Using kind and assertive language with children teaches them you can be firm and respectful at the same time. Don’t forget, children are ALWAYS listening, the way you speak to other adults is likely to be repeated by the children in your care.

Encourage positive relationships: Help children learn how friends treat each other. Model positive ways children can speak to each other. When a caregiver intervenes in a stressful interaction between two or more children, phrases like “Friends keep their hands to themselves”, “Friends use kind words”, or “Friends use gentle touches” not only diffuse the current issue but help define friendship.

Limit the screen time and electronic toys: Encourage face to face human interaction. The more practice children have with others, the more at ease they will be with others as they grow. Nothing can compare to the voice of a caregiver speaking directly to a child. Human interaction develops a sense of security, self esteem (I am worthy of this person’s time), helps children learn to understand the meaning of facial expressions and tone of voice. Good friends know how to listen and care.

Teach children that there is a time to tell an appropriate adult: Very young children come to teachers to get help, not tattle. These are teaching opportunities. Older preschoolers are capable of trying to work out some of their social issues on their own. Encourage children to work together to solve an issue before talking to a teacher. When a child use strong or even mean words related to the situation, it is generally not meant to be malicious as much as the child going through the process of learning to be assertive in appropriate ways. Teachers should step in to model better language choices if needed.

Children are in a constant state of learning. It can be difficult for caregivers to repeatedly teach the same relationship skills over and over again but, it is important to remember adults often make the same mistakes several times. So as caregivers and early childhood educators we should afford children the same grace we receive.

Don’t forget about our Fall Workshop Special to celebrate professional development month - Book a November Workshop and receive two free staff fees for every seven attending.