Right around three-years-old, a set of unwelcome challenging behaviors arise: *Refusing and resisting adult's direction. I remember back so clearly... we were late and trying to get out the door, and my daughter was dawdling - moving ever so slowly while putting on her shoes. I said, "Come on, hurry up! We have to go!" And... She moved SLOWER. My frustration went through the roof! Thankfully, in the M.Ed. program at the University of Minnesota, I learned one major dr

Think of a recent time you were extremely frustrated, stressed, and had your buttons pushed – AGAIN! Which actions did you take? Did you behave in ways you later regretted? Upon reflection, what was the reason for your behavior? Can you pinpoint the fuel contributing to the fire you felt? What need, feeling, or other actions from yourself or others drove you toward that behavior? Realistically, when tired, stressed, hungry, overwhelmed, or just plain fed up, it is typical to

For over twenty years, early childhood educators have asked me, How can I get this child to LISTEN!? What can I do to STOP these negative behaviors!? So, of course, our Online Challenging Behavior Series is packed full of the answers. In the Working with Challenging Behaviors in Children 3-8 years , we start off with the importance of becoming a scientist and figuring out the feelings and needs that are providing fuel for the fire. Some educators ask, “Why? Can’t you just

When my 1½-year-old daughter spotted an open can of soda, her eyes lit up and she took off toward it like lightning. I quickly scooped it up, tucked it in the fridge, and said, “No, no pop.” For the next 30 minutes, she was on a mission—completely focused on getting that drink. No distraction I tried could shake her determination. That unstoppable persistence showed up early… and nearly 30 years later, it’s still going strong. By age six, we were deep in power struggles. Than

IT SEEMS LIKE COMMUNICATING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE SIMPLE. Just ask a child to do something, he does it -Tell a toddler “Don’t hit,” they stop -Announce it is snack time, and children come to eat. Unfortunately, despite adults’ sincere efforts, young children still do not always listen and respond appropriately. At these times, adults may get caught in a dreaded power struggle as it is easy assume a young child is not listening or is being deliberately defiant. Surp

There are many reasons why children are disrespectful ( Part 1 ) and there are also different caregiving styles that increase or decrease disrespectful behavior ( Part 2 ) . Young children are learning to navigate the world around them and the variety of cultural expectations they experience in different settings. One thing is certain, what you do will make a difference! How adults handle disrespectful behavior now will ensure it is diminished in the future . The reality

Welcome back for part 2 of 3 Naptime Nugget #54: Teaching Kids to be Respectful: Caregiving that Gets the Respect You Deserve. In our last video we talked all about disrespectful children and where they come from!? In it, we have identified some common reasons kids may be disrespectful. Now the question is, how can we teach kids to behave with respect? First, it helps to think about what respect really means! A few words for respect... Esteem - Regard - Honor - To care fo

"Today's children are more disrespectful than before." This comment is very powerful and bold statement... However, it is becoming more and more common to hear. What do you think about it? Do you agree? This Naptime Nugget kicks off a 3-session series that talks all about respect. Check out the videos from Naptime Nugget #53, 54, and 55 (links below). Or, read this quick article to gain insight into what might breed disrespect in our youngsters and what we can do to help re

So, you have developed a plan to manage media and avoid the pitfalls (and gain help the kids you care for gain the benefits!) BUT, the kids are NOT cooperating! They cry, beg, and bother you until finally, maybe sometimes, you just give in (just for a bit to get through a tough time...). What can you do to reduce and maybe even eliminate this problem? Join me as I apply six positive discipline strategies to this common scenario! (Not got a plan? See Part 1 - Naptime Nugget

A fun and spirited toddler has been playing with me in our early childhood classroom. She joyfully ran toward me with both hands raised for what I assumed was an energetic hug. Instead she clocked me on top of the head. "AAAARG! Why did you DO that?!?!" Toddlers have many reasons why they may, at any moment, bite, hit, push, and exhibit other aggressive acts. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to prevent aggression and helpful responses that will diminish aggression over

FREE Video! FREE Tipsheet! For me, whining is a challenge that can make my blood boil!   "He hit me!" "They won't plaaaay with me!" "Don't leeeeave me..."  "I want a snaaaaack." The simply drawn-out, high-pitched vocalizations are enough to drive us adults BATTY!  So, I designed an engaging and informative thirty minute webinar PACKED with five TOP TIPS to put the brakes on whining!  We problem-solved this challenging issue together and identified what fuels whining and the t

Do you care for a child who just wont stop moving?! Do you find yourself saying "Sit still. Just stop. Why won't you just STOP MOVING!? STOOOOOOOOP!!! SIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!" I remember experiencing SO MUCH frustration when my daughter would JUST NOT SIT! I also remember the one million laments from my own mother, "Why won't you just stop!?" (She still says it today.) Well, some people are just "born that way." But, what you do will make a HUGE difference. You can't change a child'