Expectations of Your Child’s Behaviour

Do you have realistic expectations of your child’s behaviour?

• Young children have short attention spans and need to move, they cannot sit still for long periods of time especially if they do not have something interesting to do.
• Every child is unique and some children have shorter attention spans and need to move more frequently than other children.  (The range of normal is quite broad.)

Provide Structure

• Children need structure to help them learn to manage their behavior.
• Provide them with clearly and simply defined limits for the situations in which they find themselves.
• Provide them with as many opportunities as possible to engage in physical activities that they enjoy.
• Monitor their activities and redirect when necessary.
• When they are behaving give them positive feedback.  Let them know when you are pleased with their behaviour not just when you are not!