<p class="ql-block">Well, we did it! Preschool-C are moving up to K1-C. It has been a wonderful journey for all the children and Teachers. However, there is a little melancholy that is often felt when all stories come to a close. We will not only be saying goodbye to Preschool but also to students and teachers. Dora will be starting a new exciting life in Canada, Jeffrey will continue to grow and learn in Preschool and Amy, who worked so hard and lovingly will be giving the new students in next year’s Preschool-C the benefit of her caring and principled ways. </p> <p class="ql-block">It with this in mind that we can all take time to reflect on the importance that we as guardians, teachers and adults play in a young child’s development. Young children look to us for guidance on how to behave, be it in our actions or words. That is why it is so important to set boundaries. Healthy boundaries can teach self-discipline, safety and coping skills. They also teach children rules about what is acceptable behaviour both inside and outside of school. Children need to know what we expect. This helps them to know what is appropriate behaviour and helps to set a tone for their emotional development. The other benefits of healthy boundaries for children also include:</p><p class="ql-block">? Helping them to feel safe and secure</p><p class="ql-block">? Disrupting their natural entitlement tendencies</p><p class="ql-block">? Encouraging them to learn healthy limits</p><p class="ql-block">? Supporting them to get ready for the “real world”</p><p class="ql-block">? Helping them to learn healthy socialising skills</p> <p class="ql-block">So, the first step is to think about what is acceptable for you and your family. Every family has different values, so knowing what yours are will help you to set rules and limits that work within your family dynamic. The next step is to plan carefully and be realistic about how these “healthy” boundaries will be established.</p> <p class="ql-block">We all accept the lifelong benefits that healthy boundaries offer. The challenge is how do we put them into place. Establishing healthy boundaries can, at times, be challenging. There are however easy ways to start. Setting rules, limits and routines help a child to know what you expect of them, especially when it comes to mealtimes, bath time, bedtime. Routines are especially important as it helps children to feel secure.</p> <p class="ql-block">We should also be clear and direct. The language we use should not be vague, as this will only cause confusion in younger children in what is to be expected of them. The tone used when using this “l(fā)anguage” should also be warm but firm. There is no need to get angry if a mistake is made, as this only model’s unhealthy behaviour that children may mimic. Instead, simply remind them as to why what they did was wrong and the effect it has on themselves and others. </p> <p class="ql-block">We all appreciate being praised and recognised for our efforts and this is something that can be taught at an early age. It should be acknowledged when a child does the “right” thing. For example, if they clean up their dishes after eating then giving a hi-five or simply saying “good job” is sufficient. This will help to encourage and provide an incentive to keep up desirable . It is important to remember that this praise should be proportional. </p><p class="ql-block">There is no need to go overboard by clapping and shouting “wow amazing”. <span style="color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">When a child is overpraised or overindulged </span><span style="color: rgb(4, 12, 40);">they will develop the the sense that they are special and not the good kind of special that we all hope they will feel</span><span style="color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">. They may actually carry a sense of entitlement or even expect life to be easy for them. This will inevitably leave them unprepared to face the challenges later on in life.</span></p> <p class="ql-block">The last but perhaps most important thing to remember when setting healthy boundaries for children is be consistent. Doing one thing one day, and something else the next, such as letting them go to bed without brushing their teeth, when normally they have to brush their teeth leads to confusion. Mixed messages also send a message to your child that it’s ok to test our boundaries. Being consistent with consequences is particularly important as it helps a child to know what to expect when rules and limits are not respected.</p> <p class="ql-block">This first year in Golden Apple has been a fantastic voyage of learning and self-discovery for us all. I am sure we are all looking forward to the next destination in K1-C as role models to not only the children but to each other. </p>