One key thing when in the childcare or daycare field is using the correct tone of voice.
The image above is what children see when you holler and scream at them. It scares them. You do not want the child to be scared of you; the childcare center should be a safe and fun environment for the children to come to each day.You have to remember that they have feelings and emotions just as we do. They might be small, but they are still humans.We don't like to be hollered at and neither do they.
The correct way in which to use your tone of voice is to speak sternly, but gently and with love. As seen in the picture above, always be at the child's eye level. These are the steps you should take.
- First, try to redirect the child's attention to another activity. If you are unsuccessful in this. You move on to step two.
- Second, come down to the child's eye level using a stern, calm, loving voice and warn the child about their behavior. And give them a chance to correct their behavior. If they continue with their inappropriate behavior, move on to step three.
- Three, place the child in time out but first explain why. When it comes to time out you want to place the child there according to their age; for example if the child is two it would be two minuets etc. Make sure they are away from any distractions, but where you can watch them.
The main thing to know is as with any situation, is to pick your battles.