1 Young children can be encouraged to set goals for their own behaviour.
2 Children aged under five are too young to negotiate boundaries for behaviour.
3 Incidences of positive behaviour should be shared with the parents to enhance children's self-esteem.
4 Children need not be rewarded for behaving in what is after all only an appropriate manner.
5 Giving a child a sharp smack, providing it does not leave a mark, is a quick method of controlling unwanted behaviour.
6 It is important that childcarers are aware of any contributory factors which may result in a child's unwanted behaviour.
Answers
1 True As children develop they learn that it is expected of them to take turns, help one another, to share, and to be kind to other children.
2 False Following the toddler stage, explanations can be given as to acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour, with calm patience on your part.
Hitting, teasing, pushing or throwing sand, are all examples where agreement needs to be made with the child.
3 True Reinforcing positive behaviour encourages children to continue behaving appropriately in the future.
4 False Rewarding appropriate behaviour encourages positive responses.
Rewards can be praise, telling a favourite story, an enjoyable activity, a walk to the park, or a star chart.
5 False It is never acceptable for a professional to smack a child.
6 True Behaviour may change if life experiences are difficult for the child. This could include the birth of a sibling, the death of a grandparent, or the separation of parents. Allergies to certain food and drink or recent medical treatment may also affect them.