Providing Guidance
Mrs. Toe-the-Line was interviewing for a job at the Heart Smart Preschool. The director asked her about the discipline techniques she uses. "I never have problems with discipline,"Mrs. Toe-the-Line assured the director. "The kids in my class recognize that they can have lots of fun as long as they obey the rules."
Next, the director asked, "And if the children forget to follow the rules, what do you do?" Mrs. Toe-the-Line explained, "First, I talk to them and restate the rule in a firm voice. If they continue to act up after that, then the kids all know you have to pay the consequences."
Next, the director asked, "And if the children forget to follow the rules, what do you do?" Mrs. Toe-the-Line explained, "First, I talk to them and restate the rule in a firm voice. If they continue to act up after that, then the kids all know you have to pay the consequences."
"Do you use physical punishment?" the director asked. "If you mean paddling," Mrs. Toe-the Line replied, "I would never do that! I just give the child a little smack on the back of her hand or make her sit with her face to the wall until we finish the activity. Children need to know that when I say something, I mean it."
Mrs.Toe-the-Line did not get the job at the Heart Smart Preschool. Her punitive approach to discipline didn't fit with the school's positive guidance philosophy. The director was dismayed at the thought of hitting or shaming a child to discourage him from misbehavior. She knew that this violated professionally recommended practice, and was usually ineffective in a group setting. There are so many alternatives that are much more successful in promoting positive behavior!
Guidance is a constructive way of teaching that dose not require punishment.
In this chapter, we focus on positive guidance as a way of enhancing desirable behavior and reducing behavior that is nonproductive or disruptive. We emphasize the fact that guidance is a constructive way of teaching that dose not require punishment. Caregivers who maintain a climate that encourages self-regulation, coping and cooperation and who help children accept reasonable limits and respect the rights of others are practicing positive guidance. They are helping children to develop skills and character traits that they will use their entire lives.