Daycare Discipline?

Question

I just started working at a daycare with one and two year olds. I can pretty much handle the one year olds, but when I have to go to the two year old class it is a nightmare. Most of them don't do what I say at all. I try to put them in time out and they won't go. If I bring them and set them down in time out they get up or start screaming and throwing themselves all over. I know they are testing me because I'm new, but how can I establish my authority and let them know they have to mind me?

Answer 1

If I were in this situation I would try to deprive them of something until the behaved appropriately. Give well deserving children a cookie or reward for positive behavior and let the naughty child cry, they will understand you don't reward or encourage bad behavior and learn that if they are nice, they will get a treat.

Answer 2

Child experts are BIG on incentives and give the big thumbs down on punishment. Meaning, you can turn things around a bit and get creative. Instead of establishing yourself to a toddler, why not try helping their behavior with setting small goals? Like if a child has an issue with a certain thing, talk with the parents and find something like a sticker, or a graham cracker treat if they behave a little better. Encourage that good behavior BEFORE they behave badly. Not all children have the insight as to what will garner a negative reaction from adults. There memory is not well developed at all. Expect slow change.

And as for any statements about time outs, they can be used..and then when they calm down (let them cry it out if they need to) tell them that if they can do whatever it is they need to do, that you will give them that sticker or treat. And no physical stuff, right? That's laughable and a good way to lose your job!

Answer 3

Shock collars, Tazers, Batons, and/or a cattle prods........After a few demonstrations you will have no problems at all!

Seriously, I'd stick to the basics. So what, if they scream and throw themselves all over!?....Reward good behavior and issue sanctions for poor behavior.....it won't be instant, but there will be results. Each child comes from a different home where there may or may not be consistent discipline, therefore every child's needs will not be the same. Don't give up and good luck!

Answer 4

You poor thing. Im in a similar situation. Im relieving at a child care centre and theres no discipline at all. I know that the children need protecting etc, but the regulations are bull ****. Im not allowed to tickle or even put their hair back into a tidy pony tail. They dont listen to me when its just me in the room. I will be very interested in hearing what others have to say on this as i will hopefully be able to use some of it. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Unfortunately, you now live in an age where no kids grow up understanding right or wrong, since the old adage-'no pain, no gain' - is the only way to go. Physical punishment for wrongdoing was the standard when I grew up, and if it hurt, I didn't do it again, as simple as that.
My advice is to slap em around a bit!

Answer 6

They will respect you when you get silly and play with them. Keep them guessing by being a good example, making funny faces, and lots of praises. For example "I like the way Jenna is using her walking feet today", "Well look who is in line, I see Jenna, and Chase is in line..etc" The other children who aren't lined up will want to hear their own name as well. Give them stickers, ask them what color it is before giving it to them, if the guess is wrong, tell them it's pretty blue like their eyes. Children love to hear their name like adults. Try to establish your own style of teaching rather than authority. When they have respect for you, they will want to please you. Be sure to hug and love on them when they enter, make them feel special, get to KNOW them, siblings, pets,etc. Children love songs, do you remember any nursury rhymes? Ican't sing so I sing in opera, it's so funny I laugh at me. If they get loud, pull your hair away from your ears and tell them your ears hurt, ask if they look hurt, you'll get eyes looking at you and some replies because they are listening to you. Tell them your sad and make a sad face because it was a sad choice, children are NOT bad, they make bad choices, recognize and make a big deal when Taylor makes a great choice, the others will soon follow all these leads. Finding your teaching style may take a short while, be patient with yourself and the children. The rewards and respect and the bond from these little ones is the most precious gift to receive. They will understand your expectations when you know exactly what they are as well, that will come from your style of teaching. Have fun and get silly! I was too serious as a child, now I get to play, act, and think like a pre-schooler! Have fun!! As for taking time to think of their sad choice, have them hold a red felt heart with a smile face on it, they will know you care for them, it's a good distraction. Give them the choice of sitting to take time out or you will help them to time out, most 2's do not want you to take them there, count to three, set them where you want them, after awhile they will go by themself. If you have a child who refuses and isn't iterupting the rest of the class then use your judjment to let them be. Most two's do not sleep good at night, they have teeth coming in , they through a tantrum 5 times before arriving to school, you might be the safest person and place when they see your smiling face when they arrive.

Answer 7

let them know it doesn't bother you and make sure they stay in time out for their age (well according to nys) working with that age isn't always easy. but you will get the hang of it. they most likely will stop testing in a few weeks. give them time.

Answer 8

keep taking them back to time out when they leave after you have put them there. Keep doing it until they get it through their heads that time out means time out. Good luck to you!!!!

Answer 9

Just be consistent and they will soon get used to you.