Unit 1 You and Others 78
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Telling children what they can do is a
positive way to teach acceptable behavior.
This lets children learn what they can
do instead of what they cannot do. This
also lets them decide how they want to
behave. Children need encouragement.
Too many no’s and not enough praise may
make them afraid to try new tasks.
Sometimes, you need to say no to
children. They may be doing something
that is harmful or unacceptable to
others. If you show them how to behave
correctly and praise them, they will learn
acceptable behavior. Also, when children
learn that some types of behavior are
unacceptable, they can say no to other
people. This can help them avoid being
taken advantage of or hurt.
Sometimes, caregivers may use a
time-out to help correct a child’s conduct.
In a time-out, a caregiver instructs the
child to move away from others to a
place where he or she must sit quietly. Let
children know what behaviors will result
in time-out. Also, explain the length of
the time-out. The length of time should be
reasonable, such as one minute per year of
age. When you fi nd a child misbehaving,
say fi rmly, “time-out.” Then move the child to a place to sit quietly for the
brief time you have stated.
Every child should know what behavior you expect. During the
time-out, explain to the child why you are not happy with his or her
conduct. Be positive and patient. For instance, you may say, “When I see
you hitting John, I am unhappy because you are hurting him.” Time alone
gives the child a chance to calm down and refl ect on his or her behavior. If
the child does not sit quietly, restart the time. You must make sure the child
obeys the time-out rules. Otherwise, the child will not take you seriously.
Reading
Review
1. Why should you tell children what they could do instead of what they
cannot do?
2. How can you help children learn acceptable behavior?
3. How do you use a time-out? Why do some people feel it is effective?
Children can learn how to behave during
physical exams.
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