Modelling positive relationships

Everything you say and do when you're around children can impact on their perception of appropriate behaviour and ways of expressing feelings.

The key is to promote the formation of positive relationships. There are many ways to do this, including communicating with respect and sincerity, and providing activities to encourage positive interaction.

It is far easier to guide a child positively, than have to implement behaviour management strategies after an issue arises. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

Respect and sincerity

Respect and sincerity are key elements in any communication you undertake.

As a caregiver you are required to role model these skills constantly. By doing this you will demonstrate to the children in your care that this is the appropriate way to behave. You can demonstrate this by being respectful and sincere with the children, their families and your colleagues.

Experiences

Experiences will provide you with many opportunities to promote the formation of positive relationships.

You can do one-on-one experiences or group experiences. You can use puppets or tell stories with directed meanings. Positive experiences can be used in many different ways.

Individual communication

Individual communication can take place through planned experiences or spontaneously.

This can involve talking with the child about how they are feeling, helping them to express feelings, and helping with what words to use. It could also mean talking with all the children individually about considering others and being respectful of their play. For example, explaining the importance of asking for a toy rather than just taking it from another child.