|
Keeping a balance, and keeping in control of yourself is so effective. It's always best to give positive reinforcement when you can. It's a given that negative reinforcement will be use. We can't forget to praise too though. One child I had that would burst into a temper several times daily to the point of breaking things (he was 5) was such a challenge. When I began saying things like "I know you can control yourself." or "Thankyou for calming down. That took work." I could literally see the tension drain from him. I wasn't going head to head with him and part of his tantrums was a rebellion. Children will do only as much as you expect of them. If you expect them to be disobedient and little brats then you will have more trouble. If you expect them to be good and you act accordingly then they will be more cooperative.
There were times when one loud word "STOP" or something similar would get my students, children's attentions. Then I would continue talking in a quite calm voice. Children will reflect your moods. If you are angry and yelling they will get loud and hyper. If you are calm, controlled, and quiet then they will usually stay more reserved. I couldn't believe how well behaved my students were and quiet when I lost my voice from a cold. I think it was partly because if they did anything wrong they would still have consequences coming but wouldn't know it until I was at their desk to whisper it to them. They could tell by watching my face if they were in trouble and they shaped up much faster. I learned a lot that week.
__________________
"Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama
My Karma just ran over your Dogma. 
|