Guiding with Positive Statements

Children don’t automatically know what we expect of them, especially in new situations. Children need to learn the limits - what is acceptable (or okay) and what isn’t.

Guiding is what we do to help children learn those limits.

When communicating the limits, being clear and using positive statements makes it easier for children to understand what is acceptable and how to follow the expectations.

When we communicate with positive statements we may have a more positive frame of mind and avoid feeling frustrated or angry.

Stating expectations with positive statements means telling or showing children what TO DO. We can use words like:

And avoid negative phrases such as, don’t, quit it, and that’s enough. These phrases only tell a child what NOT TO DO without telling them what they should, or can,do.

Next, you will have a chance to practice. On the following slides, the person on the left gives a negative direction that tells a child what NOT to do.

Think about alternatives. What positive statements can you make instead, to tell the child what is okay? The direction you give should explain what’s acceptable – and also means they no longer do what’s not acceptable.

Then click on the screen to see some variations. How do your ideas compare?

Click here or the space bar to advance the examples.

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"Stop throwing your food on the floor."

Communicating with positive statements helps you give clear, specific directions that children can understand and follow.

 

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