When it comes to early childhood development, promoting positive behaviour is essential. After all, children are still growing in terms of the way they think, socialise and communicate with others. During your child’s early years, it is thus crucial to provide them with the guidance and support that will set the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices. Here are some simple tips to start promoting positive behaviour in your little toddler.
1. Model the behaviours you want to see in your child
As a parent, you may often find yourself asking your child to behave in a certain way – to be polite, to share, to tidy up. While it is important to set rules and expectations, it can be more effective when you lead by example. When you put it into action and show kindness or respect, your child will see that these behaviours are important and they will be more likely to follow your lead.
2. Keep promises to your child
When you make a promise to your child, from taking them to the park to reading them a bedtime story, make sure to keep it. This reinforces the idea that words have meaning and that we should be held accountable for our actions. If you tell your child you will do something, they will be counting on you to follow through. When your child sees that you are able to keep your word, it sets a positive example for them to follow. This will also play a part in building a healthy family relationship in the long run.
Keeping promises also teaches your child responsibility, integrity and accountability. Ultimately, teaching your child to keep promises is one of the best ways to instil in them a sense of trustworthiness and character.
3. Maintain your composure
It can be easy to get frustrated, especially when you’re dealing with a tantrum or trying to get your child to cooperate. However, it is important to remember that your behaviour has a direct impact on theirs. If you respond to them in a negative way, they are more likely to act out. On the other hand, if you are calm and constructive in your interactions with your child, it will guide them to develop positive behaviours of their own.
There will, of course, be times when you may need to raise your voice in order to get your point across, but try to avoid yelling or using punishment. Instead, focus on setting clear boundaries and maintaining a consistent approach. For example, you can use body language and facial expressions to convey your message such as crossing your arms or shaking your head to show that you are not happy with your child’s behaviour.
Besides, maintaining a sense of calm can model self-control for your child. They may learn to better cope with strong emotions by seeing how you handle stressful situations.
4. Help your child manage emotions
When it comes to managing emotions, it’s vital to help your child find a healthy balance. Particularly in the early years, children can experience a wide range of intense emotions, from tantrums and frustration to sadness and fear. As a parent, you can help your child to identify, understand and cope with these emotions. This might involve simply listening to them and providing comfort, or working with them to problem-solve and come up with coping strategies. You can also encourage them to express themselves through art, music, or writing.
5. Your child’s preschool will play a part
Besides at home, your child can also thrive in a supportive and stimulating preschool setting. Some features that you can look for when choosing your child’s preschool may include a safe environment, experienced staff, and a well-rounded curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and physical development. These can all shape your child’s growth and development at an early stage. At MindChamps, we take a holistic approach to early childhood education. Our preschool teachers are trained with the ChampionGold standard to provide the best learning experience for every child. Through highly experiential preschool activities, your child can learn to interact with their peers, share toys, and ultimately grow with a Champion Mindset
Book a centre visit now to find out more about our wide range of preschool activities for your child.