Describe developmentally appropriate behavior and discipline for a child at each stage of development.
Description should include
- identifying behaviors as developmentally appropriate or inappropriate for each stage
- describing ways to encourage appropriate behavior at each stage.
Description should also include developmentally appropriate strategies at each stage for
- understanding reasons for a child’s misbehavior
- communicating effectively
- setting limits and establishing rules
- using positive reinforcement
- using timeouts effectively
- redirecting a child’s attention
- determining and using natural and logical consequences
- avoiding coercive parenting behavior (e.g., spanking, corporal punishment)
- making accommodations for a child with special needs.
Process/Skill Questions
Thinking
- What developmental expectations should parents have of their children’s behavior at different stages?
- Why are developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations an essential part of parenting?
- What happens when parents have inappropriate behavioral expectations of children? How might children respond?
- Where do caregivers acquire behavioral expectations of children?
- How might guidance and discipline strategies need to be adapted for children with special needs?
Communication
- What responses might a parent have to a child's attempt at a new task if the parents have developmentally appropriate expectations? Inappropriate expectations?
- What happens when parents try to use adult language and reasoning with young children?
- How can caregivers develop communication skills with children at various developmental stages?
Leadership
- What expectations do you think your parents have of you? What do you do to live up to these expectations?
- What leadership skills can preschoolers learn? What can parents do to help children develop leadership skills?
Management
- What information do parents need to set developmentally appropriate limits for children?
- What are some reliable sources of information for setting developmentally appropriate expectations?
- What self-regulation skills can young children learn? How can parents help children learn these skills? How can teachers help?