If there is one thing that I am an authority on, it is CHILDREN. I have raised 4 of my own and have been a strong presence in the lives of my 7 grandchildren. In addition to that I taught Sunday school to 5th graders for 10 yrs and was an Art teacher for 14.
I have a clear memory of something I said to myself when I was a child. I promised myself that when I was a grownup I would never forget how children think and feel. I am proud to say that I have kept that promise.
Children are little people who need to be heard, understood and respected. They need to be loved, they need to have fun and they need to feel safe.
That shouldn't be hard to understand, but it is sometimes hard to remember, especially when the child is being naughty. I think 'being naughty' is directly connected to boredom, hunger or being too tired.
If the problem is Hunger the answer is simple: FEED HIM. Trust me, an unhappy child is not going to want broccoli. Even though a nice warm meal would be best, I guarantee you that will not work. Usually a small snack plate will work. Crackers and cheese, small slices of apples with peanut butter are good choices, but my secret weapon is 'The bribe' My little Leo loves chocolate. I buy Hershey candy bars (the ones sectioned into little rectangles). I will put one rectangle on his plate and tell him he can eat that too but must take turns with it. (one bite of hershey and one bite of the cheese). That gives him some choices and always a bite of candy is a good choice. Once he gets the taste of the healthy food in his mouth, chances are he will start to eat that.
If the problem is being overly tired taking a nap may not come easily. Some choices could be taking a nice long walk in the stroller, with the 'blankie' and 'pacifer' or bottle close at hand. It may take some gentle rocking and snuggling while telling a story, or the method that is probably (sigh) used most often is the making of a cozy little 'nest' in front of a favorite TV show. (LIMIT it to 1/2 hr ) Even if he hasn't fallen asleep, the quiet time should be enough to make the 'naughty' go away.
In short: The caretaker has to find a way to make a 'naughty' child happy again. A creative Nanny, Mother or Dad, or Grandmother can make everyones day go smoother. I repeat: CREATIVE.
Children hate boredom but they don't really know how to 'fix' the problem. I have several 'stand by' emergency activities ready. Depending on your child, your list may be different, but here are mine.
PLAYDOH
It is only special if it is not out with the everyday toys. Clear off the kitchen table and get out the doh (each child must have his own Doh in front of him) Get out the plastic tools and let them start the process. It is perfectly fine if Grandma plays along for a while too.
PAINTING ROCKS.
We have some nice small rocks that line the patio. When the weather is nice I give them some watercolor paints and brushes and they sit on the patio and have so much fun. Sometimes they fill a bucket with water and put the rocks in the bucket and the water becomes colored. Then it is very important to add grass and leaves to the water. DONT BE AFRAID TO LET THEM GET DIRTY!
MAKING ART
The markers and paint and scissors and glue are put away until art time.. Little kids CAN use children's scissors. Don't be afraid of the mess, contain it to one table and let them discover and explore. ENCOURAGE!
Last but not least: KEEP TOYS ORGANIZED!
Before I go any further, imagine yourself getting ready to bake. The recipe book,measuring cups, measuring spoons and mixing bowl and mixer are ALL in a big basket along with magazines, old mail and books and clothes. How inspired are going to be?
How do you expect your child to play with his blocks it they are thrown in a toy box with all other toys?
I sort toys by category: Blocks,Legos, action figures, doll and clothes, matchbox cars, large cars, trains and tracks...........You get the idea, right? Even if the kids don't put them away, think how much easier it will be when you have the right box handy to put the toys in, and the Reward?.. they will play with their toys more often .
This post is a seque into my next series of paintings for children. That will be the subject of my next post and I am also going to share some great creative games that my kids and I love.
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