Montessori Preschool in Rancho Bernardo (4S Ranch), San Diego.

I don’t mind a tantrum! It is a sign that the child’s behavior is on the cusp of change. They have hit a wall and they are upset. Now that the wall is clearly delineated in their consciousness,  they will act accordingly. Until the tantrum, they have been testing and testing to see where the…

It becomes so helpful when you mean what you say and you say what you mean. Yes, we have all heard it but try it! Outlandish consequences that are impractical and impossible are great for humor but the child will keep testing the boundaries. They know you cannot fulfill that consequence.  For example, never use…

When children have been naughty, and are having a hard time changing their pattern of behavior, it is so helpful to tell a story that addresses the situation. A story that gives the child a snapshot of what that type of behavior can lead to. One interesting technique is actually quite easy to implement. At…

Why speak when you can sing? Words can be so dreary, dull, and fall like stones! Singing turns every word into a dance, and children follow!

When a child is emotionally engaged, about to go into a full-on tantrum, the best way to help is to offer a clear simple choice. This gets them back into thinking. Once the thoughts are engaged, the emotions calm down. It lifts them out of their frustration for they see they are given a bit of freedom in…