Nursery World - Positive Relationships: Behaviour

Aggression between children can be a concern, but how to teach
positive behaviour? Practitioners' own conduct, realistic expectations
and effective communication are crucial, says Kay Mathieson.

In our setting we are seeing an increase in aggressive behaviour between the children, especially among the two- to three-year-olds, and parents are complaining that their children are being bullied. What should we say to parents and how can we reduce this aggressive behaviour?

answer Any aggressive behaviour is worrying for both practitioners and parents, so it is important that communication between adults is clear and helpful. This should begin with detailed information about setting approaches to supporting children's learning about relationships and positive behaviour.

POLICIES AND PRACTICE

The way adults relate to each other gives children powerful messages about how disagreements, mistakes and problems are dealt with and resolved. If we do not review our practice regularly, it can gradually slide to an increasingly negative focus. This is often indicated by more practitioner responses relating to problems rather than highlighting positive interactions.

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