Behavior Management GUIDED DISCUSSION
Notice that pages 18 and 19 have entertainment ideas for children of all ages. You can find additional ideas on the Safe Sitter®
website.
Now we’re going to talk about how to manage the behavior of the children you’re watching. Turn to page 20. There are two things to remember when caring for children:
1. Stay in control of yourself.
• What does this mean? (Staying calm. Keeping your temper under control.)
2. Stay in control of the children.
• What does this mean? (Keeping the children from harming themselves or others.) Keep in mind the children may not behave the way you want them to; however, the important thing is that you keep them safe and you keep siblings or others around them safe.
Sometimes children behave in a way that is frustrating to someone taking care of them. Can you give me an example? (Not listening, temper tantrum, crying, whining, fighting with siblings, etc.)
Managing this difficult behavior is often the hardest part about taking care of children. It helps to know that when a child is behaving in a frustrating manner, there is often a reason for that. Why do infants cry? (They may be tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention.)
Being tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention are all reasons that children of any age might act in a way that is frustrating. But depending on their AGE and STAGE, they might act out in different ways.
Look back at the Safe Sitter® Guide to Child Development on pages 6 and
7. You’ll notice that Infants cry to communicate, so they will likely cry when they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention.
• What might a toddler do if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (Throw a temper tantrum or cry.)
• What might a preschooler do if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (Hit or kick, throw something, or act out in a negative way.)
• What might a school-age child do if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (Talk back, refuse to follow rules, or fight with siblings.)
On page 21 your booklet lists six ways to deal with this kind of behavior.
1. Provide comfort: Make sure the child’s needs are met. For example, if the child is hungry, prepare a snack or meal. If the child is scared, find their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or other comforting item.
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