Reflecting on Our Reactions and Responses to Children's Behavior

Early childhood professionals need to be able to model how to express feelings in appropriate ways. But how can you be an effective model when you’re feeling upset or under stress? What are some ways you can monitor your own feelings and reactions, and how can you respond calmly to children when you may not feel calm inside?
In this video, early childhood experts and teachers reflect on the importance of gauging one's own personal feelings before reacting to children's challenging behavior to ensure that responses are appropriate. The importance of a supportive work environment is also stressed.
0:54 - Acknowledging Your Emotions and Hot Buttons
2:19 - Planning Ahead for Your Responses
4:30 - Getting Support from Colleagues and Supervisors
5:07 - Modeling Calm Responses for Children
Copyright 2015 by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. This video was developed by the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. This video may only be used for educational purposes. It may not be used for commercial purposes and may not be edited or adapted without written permission from the Center for Early Childhood Education. For more information, visit www.easternct....
The Center for Early Childhood Education thanks the Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut for their collaboration in this project, and the teachers, providers, and administrators who participated in focus groups to help inform the content of this video.