Deescalating Volatile Situations
In spite of the limits that you set, difficult situations will arise.
- Remain alert to the total situation. Attempt to foresee and forestall trouble. Redirect an uncooperative child to another activity. Redirect the entire activity into a more wholesome direction.
- Allow children of comparable size and ability to work out their own solutions. Encourage the shy child to stand up for him/herself. Encourage the aggressive child to verbalize.
- Help children understand one another’s actions.
- Treat toilet accidents casually.
- Try to ignore improper language. Say “We talk nicely here”.
- Do not allow a child to strike you. Gently say, “I don’t like to be hit”.
- If one child requires too much adult attention, he or she should be temporarily removed from the group. Do so gently without punitive action. Your purpose is to help him or her.
Giving Directions
- Be sure you have the child’s attention. Make eye contact. Get down to the child’s level
- Give positive directions that leave the child no choice of interpretation.
- Give a choice of two things when possible.
- Warn ahead of time before changing activity.
- Never plead, threaten or strike.
- Invite participation.
- Direct the child to a new activity when the present activity is completed.
- Use a quiet voice as much as possible. Get down to the child’s level when talking with him or her.
Professional Attitudes
- Never discuss a child when another child is present.
- Never discuss a child within his or her hearing.
- Do not discuss one parent’s handling of a situation with another parent.
- Please do not talk among yourselves in the classroom or playground.
- Do not, at any time, leave children unsupervised, either indoors or outdoors, even for a few minutes.