How Infant and Toddler Programs Guide Behavior

Children need adults to guide them--to help them learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not. You have done this by responding to your baby's needs consistently and lovingly. A baby whose basic needs are met feels comfortable and calm. This is the beginning of the development of self-control.

Continuing a Positive Approach

Quality child care programs also take a positive approach to guiding behavior in ways that help your child develop inner controls. A child with self-discipline is more likely to be successful in school and in life. A positive approach to guiding behavior means:

• Taking steps to prevent dangerous behavior (by, for example, covering electrical outlets)
• Planning a schedule that includes plenty of outdoor time for children to be active
• Redirecting a child climbing on a table to a safer place to climb
• Having simple, positively stated rules and explaining them many times
• Using "No" sparingly by making the environment safe for children to explore freely
• Providing duplicates of favorite toys because it's difficult for young children to share

Guiding children's behavior also includes helping them learn how to relate to others in positive ways. Caregivers do this when they model caring behaviors, encourage children to help each other, read stories about helping and caring for others, and help children to resolve problems as they occur.

Responding to Challenging Behaviors

In even the best programs, you can expect outbreaks of crying, hitting, kicking, temper tantrums, and possibly biting from time to time. Young children have very strong feelings, and they don't yet have the words to express what they feel. Caregivers should respond to these challenging behaviors in a positive way. For example, they should:

• Maintain a calm atmosphere to reduce stress and tension
• Ask themselves what the child might be feeling so they can figure out what is causing the behavior
• Minimize frustrations by having realistic expectations and planning activities that match what children can do at each stage of development
• Give children choices and many opportunities to feel competent about their growing independence
• Respond quickly when an incident occurs

If a situation comes up that involves your child, the program should let you know immediately. Then you can work together to understand what happened and design an approach to address your child's needs.