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So inclined

How can you respond to the temperaments that children seem to have been born with, while resisting the urge to expect them to behave that way? Jennie Lindon explains When you are closely involved with children, you soon realise that they are very different individuals. You may be careful to behave in a fair way to each child in your charge. But daily experiences tell you that it would not work to try to act in exactly the same way.

When you are closely involved with children, you soon realise that they are very different individuals. You may be careful to behave in a fair way to each child in your charge. But daily experiences tell you that it would not work to try to act in exactly the same way.

Abigail has been nanny to Ethan since he was a toddler and to his sister Molly since she was born. Abigail swiftly learned that Ethan needed only a mild word from her to get him to resist the temptation of the biscuit tin or to stop teasing his pet rabbit. In contrast, his sister Molly seems to have pushed all the limits from the very beginning. Molly will continue to post items into the video or chase Thumper, unless Abigail says a very firm 'No', often backed up by holding Molly to ensure that she listens. Molly and Ethan have each shown a consistent pattern since very early childhood.

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