GUIDANCE
Our guidance practices are based on the relationships we build with children, and the relationships children build with each other. We model and encourage children to communicate their wants, needs, and feelings. We affirm children’s emotions, while making sure that everyone is safe. Our guidance methods include: redirecting, planning ahead to prevent problems, encouraging appropriate behavior, explaining consistent, clear rules, allowing children to be involved in solving problems, and explaining to the child the reasonable and age appropriate natural and logical consequences related to the child’s behaviors. We do not use punishment of any kind.
You might hear us say: “It’s ok to be angry, but I won’t let you hit Sam, it’s not safe.” We support children who are engaged in conflicts and view these experiences as opportunities for social-emotional growth and learning. We do not force children to apologize, instead modeling appropriate language ourselves such as: “I’m sorry that happened to you, are you ok?”
​
Here are some resources that we recommend and use ourselves:
​
No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury
​
Toddler Discipline for Every Age and Stage: Effective Strategies to Tame Tantrums, Overcome Challenges, and Help Your Child Grow
by Aubrey Hargis