OVERSTIMULATIONBREAKS IN ROUTINES

NOISEWAITING TIMEFRUSTRATION

PHYSICAL PROBLEMSTRESS

Causes of Behavioral Problems

Overstimulation

Playing with other childrenLimit the number of children in activity areasHolidays/celebrationsToo many activities planned

Breaks in Routine

Routines are very importantConfusion occurs when routines are not

followedExplain planned activitiesAlternate between quiet and active activitiesTalk to the kids ahead of time when there is

going to be a planned activityGive kids 5 minutes transition time

Noise

Effects every child differentlyTo control noise level, control the volume of

CDs, records, tapesControl your own voice

Waiting Time

Children behave poorly when they have to wait

Manage time wiselyCut down on waiting time by being prepared

Frustration

Frustration: The feeling of defeat or discouragement causing tension

Activities need to be developmentally appropriate.

Plan active and quiet activitiesPurchase several of the same toysSelect equipment to match developmental

level

Let the child select their own activities – forcing a child to participate can cause tension

Physical Problems

Can cause tension and behavioral problemsCan be overly-active and tense due to health

problemsMedication can affect behaviorPoor and inadequate nutrition can affect

behaviorMotor skills and motivation are also affectedProlonged/reoccurring illnesses can cause

frequent absences Aggressive children need calming influences

Stress

Body’s reaction to physical and emotional danger

Occasional stress is normalConstant, prolonged, or piling up stressors

threatens a child’s ability to cope

Foundation

Children watch how their parents deal with stress.

Children will vary how they handle stressNegative coping skills they may be more

prone to stress, prone to more illness, withdrawn, angry, aggressive, nervous.

Positive coping skills they are more resilient – bounce back quickly

Negative Positive

Separation or divorce of parents

Abuse, neglectRejectionfights

PartiesHolidayVacationOver night stay with

friendNew petBirth of sibling

Stress

Day Care School can cause stress

Starting in a new place

Getting a new teacherMoving to a new

room

Poor quality ProgramInsufficient

child/adult ratioLack of toys/materials

Family Stressors/Crisis

Family serve as a buffer or a stressorFamily can be positive or negativeHarmony within the familyStress disrupts the harmonyStress can strain a family relationshipChildren can sense the stress

Family crisis

Family Stressors

Children need security and predictabilityIf it is lacking children become irritable, may

have problems with eating and sleeping, become clingy or demanding

Stressor can be temporary – loss of a jobPermanent – divorce or deathConstantly active – sometimes the kids needs

are overlookedFamilies need time to unwind with each other

Family Stresses

Children will react differently depending on how threatening the stress is

Some children feel guilty that they are the reason for a separation, divorce, etc. This can cause stress

Reassure children that the stress is not the child’s fault

Effects of Stress

Prolonged stress in early childhood can undermine healthy brain development

Consistent, predictable and responsive care is needed

“Good beginnings can last a lifetime”Healthy relationships promote brain growth

and social attachmentChildren who have strong parental

attachment have fewer behavior problems and the parent is their buffer to stress

Window of opportunity

Neuroscientists say that from birth to age three is when children learn to control emotions and cope with stress

Lack of experiences, lack of bonding will have a significant impact on the child

Abuse, neglect, constant stress can cause the body to release chemicals that impact the brains wiring

Cause smaller brain size, diminished ability to control emotions and behavior. Harder to form lasting relationships

Signs of Stress

Regression-behaviors that where typical earlier stages of development (toileting, thumb sucking) Baby talk stuttering Tattling Indigestion Fingernail biting Teeth grinding

Communicating with Families about Stress

Two way communications is importantAsk parents to keep teachers informed of

family stressorsParents and teachers can help with the stress

children may experienceWork with the family to help the child and

address the troubling behaviorBe sensitive to the parent who may also be

under stress

Helping Children Cope

Children lack the skills to understand and handle pressure

Observe the childDon’t be overly critical of behaviors. It can

lead to more stress on the childTalk to the child about their feelingsOffer comfort and encouragementTeach coping behaviorsCorrect any misconceptions the child may haveMake them feel worthwhile and positive

Negativism

The cutest argument everCharlotte saying noCharlie bit my finger

Tattling

Typical behavior of children

Tattlers may be insecure

Tattlers may want attention

Teachers find tattling irritating

Build child’s self-esteem

Make one on one time for each child

Positive reinforcement will help reduce the need for tattling

Exploring the Body

Common for one year to explore genitals during diaper changing

As they gain control of body functions they begin to become more curious about those parts

Three year olds know the differences between the sexes

Four year olds may hold their genitals when they need to use the restroom

Five year olds may begin to manipulate genitals

How to handle?

Thumbsucking

About half of all infants suck their thumbs

18 months it reaches its peak

Starts to taper of to naptime or bedtime only

Most children will outgrow by six or seven

How to handle thumbsucking?

Fear

By age three most children have some kind of fear

Real or imaginaryFear of the unknownCommon fears

Falling from high places Putting face in water The dark People in uniforms Sirens Animals