These are children who may refuse the comfort of a caregiver. Some children may need time alone to soothe themselves. Self-soothing is an important skill for children to learn.Have a few books available that children can look at and perhaps a toy or two that gives the child the option of some music. This is an area with soft surfaces, cuddly toys, some cushions, a cozy rug, a blanket, and a little sofa or chair. Allow children to use the ‘cozy area’ freely. Provide a ‘cozy area’ in your classroom that is easily accessible.These classrooms have soft surfaces and places to sit, lie down, and cuddle up for infants and toddlers seeking comfort and cuddling. Infant and toddler rooms strive for a comfortable and comforting environment which is more homelike than a typical classroom.They may benefit from a ‘cozy area’ to be by themselves while they adjust to events such as drop off or overly noisy activities such as movement or music. Teaching children to soothe themselves by going to a ‘cozy area’ can help them feel comforted and better able to cope. Infants and Toddlers often need a soft, quiet, protected place where they can relax and have some space away from loud or busy areas in the classroom. This article was first published in Young Parents.Printable Version The Classroom Environment: Create a Quiet Space » Infant/Toddler: On the other hand, it will be effective for calming your toddler if she starts a verbal or physical fight with her pals or siblings, if she suddenly explodes with frustration while playing with a puzzle toy, if she makes a scene in front of her peers when she doesn't get her way, or if she has been misbehaving all day. For some toddlers, the effect is cumulative rather than instant.Ī timeout shouldn't be used every time your toddler misbehaves or won't co-operate.įor instance, it's not appropriate if she refuses to go to a party because she's very shy, if she won't touch a dog because she's afraid of it, if she has a toilet "accident" at home or in playgroup, or even if she just has an uncharacteristic off day.Ī less firm approach would be more helpful on such occasions. Whether she's calm or not, tell her you're glad she has cooled down and let her return to her activities.īe ready to implement the timeout again if she's still angry. Emphasise that you want her to gain control of her temper.ĪLSO READ: Children with stricter mothers more likely to become alcoholicsĭon't force her to stay in the timeout area, though try to make sure she remains there (for instance, stand in the doorway so she can't get out). Tell her you're removing her because of her bad behaviour. Finish it after that, even if she still rages. There's no point in removing her from, say, her bedroom into the living room, where others are watching television.Īt this age, a timeout should last no more than three or four minutes. Instead, be firm, calm and in control.ĪLSO READ: 4 parenting programmes for difficult children If you get angry yourself, that won't help matters. But, the way you organise a timeout influences the outcome.ĭon't leave her alone when you remove her because of her misbehaviour, as that would simply be solitary confinement, not a timeout. Placing her in a different part of the room, or to another altogether, puts the source of conflict (for instance, a toy or sibling) at a distance from her, while at the same time providing a change of scene.Īnother reason it often works is that it gives everyone some breathing space. It can be used for a whole range of misbehaviour, mild or severe.Ī timeout works because it reduces that attention she gets from her misbehaviour. The principle behind this technique is straightforward: If you remove an angry young child from the event that caused her tantrum, she's more likely to calm down, especially if she's placed in a quiet spot. It doesn't work with every kid, and should be used carefully and thoughtfully. Timeout is one method of handling your toddler when she misbehaves.
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