Preventing Behavior Challenges Before They Start

If you’ve got behavior programs, you may be experiencing the symptoms of something larger.

When setting your approach to behavior guidance, consider ways you can modify your program to prevent behavior issues at the outset:

Foster a sense of community and respect. Children behave better when they feel safe and respected. Treat kids as you wish to be treated, and create a safe place for them to learn and make mistakes.

Be responsive. Keep kids interested and engaged. Be prepared with a variety of activities to match varying moods and energy levels.

Involve kids in problem solving. Ask children for their input. Allow them to learn about good behavior by involving them in conflict resolution.

Draw in families. Programs can’t operate in a vacuum. Whenever possible, getting families active in programs fosters consistency and support that can help reduce behavior conflicts.