Positive Discipline Strategies for Child Care Providers - post

What is positive discipline?

Positive discipline is a way of caring for children that focuses on #respect. It helps children feel #safe and connected to you. When children feel safe, they behave better.

This approach looks at the "why" behind the behavior. A child who hits is not a "bad kid." They might be a frustrated kid who does not know how to say, "I am mad." Positive discipline gives them the words and tools they need. It helps you build a warm, happy #classroom where everyone learns together. 

Why do children act out?

Children do not wake up thinking, "I want to be naughty today." Usually, there is a reason for their behavior. Think of behavior like an iceberg. You only see the tip (the yelling or hitting), but the real reason is hidden underneath the water.

Here are common reasons children struggle:

• Physical Needs: They are hungry, tired, or sick.
• Big Feelings: They are scared, sad, or overwhelmed.
• Lack of Skills: They do not know how to share or wait yet.
• Need for Connection: They want you to look at them, even if it is for a bad reason.

When you understand the why, you can fix the problem instead of just punishing the child. 

How can you use redirection?

Redirection is one of the best tools you have. It means guiding a child from an unsafe choice to a safe one. It is not just saying "No." It is showing them what they can do.

For example, if a child is throwing blocks, do not just say, "Stop that!" Instead, try saying:

• "Blocks are for building, not throwing. Let’s build a tall tower together."
• "It looks like you want to throw something. Let’s go outside and throw the soft balls."

This teaches the child the right way to #play without shaming them. It keeps the energy positive.

Why are choices so powerful?

Children love to feel like they are in control. When you tell them exactly what to do all day, they might push back. Giving choices gives them power in a safe way.

Try giving two simple choices that are both okay with you.

• Instead of: "Put on your coat now."
• Try: "Do you want to put on your coat by yourself, or do you want me to help you?"
• Instead of: "Clean up the toys."
• Try: "Do you want to pick up the red cars or the blue blocks first?"

This strategy stops power struggles before they start. The child feels respected because their opinion matters.

What is a "Time-In"?

You have probably heard of a "Time-Out." This usually means sending a child to sit alone in a chair when they make a mistake. But for young children, being alone when they are upset can be scary. It does not teach them how to calm down.

A Time-In is different. In a Time-In, the child goes to a quiet, safe space, but you stay near them. You help them calm down. You might say, "I see you are very angry. I will sit here with you until you are ready to play again."

You can create a special area in your classroom for this. Some #teachers call it a "Peace Corner" or a "Cozy Corner." It can have soft pillows, #books-about feelings, and squishy toys.

We have a free resource to help you set this up. The Peace Corner guide gives you ideas on how to make a safe space for emotional regulation.

Download the resource here: 

How does the environment affect behavior?

Sometimes, the room itself causes the problem. If there is too much open space, children might run. If there are not enough toys, they might fight.

Look at your classroom with fresh eyes:

• Break up big spaces: Use shelves to make smaller, #cozy play areas.
• Label everything: Use pictures to show where toys belong so clean-up is easy.
• Have duplicates: If you have a popular toy, try to have two of them to reduce fighting.

When the room is organized, the children are calmer. This is a big part of #ClassroomManagement.

Why must you keep your cool?

This is the hardest part. When a classroom is chaotic, it is easy to get angry. But children match your energy. If you yell, they will yell. If you stay calm, it helps them calm down.

This is called "co-regulation." You are lending them your calm brain. Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Remember that you are the adult, and you are their model.

Where can you learn more?

Changing how you takes time and practice. It is a skill you build. Taking a course can give you new ideas and confidence.

Check out these courses from ChildCareEd to deepen your knowledge: 

• The ABCs of Behavior: Turning Challenges into Learning Opportunities – Learn to decode what children are telling you.
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light – Shift your mindset from punishment to teaching.
• Heart-to-Heart Communication: Challenging Behaviors – Master the art of talking to children during tough moments.

Find these courses here: ChildCareEd All Courses

You can also read more about safety and care in our article Preventing Injuries in Child Care Classrooms, which discusses how supervision relates to behavior.

Final Thoughts

Positive discipline is a journey. Some days will be perfect, and some days will be messy. That is okay. Every time you choose to teach instead of punish, you are helping a child grow into a kind, capable person. You are doing important work.

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