5 Discipline Techniques Nannies Can Use for Preschoolers

Preschoolers may be more verbally advanced than their toddler counterparts, but it’s important for caregivers to remember that they’re still learning about the world around them and how it operates. Because preschool-aged children are still developing behavioral skills, questionable or even unacceptable behavior will inevitably occur from time to time. Because each situation is unique, successful discipline requires a variety of tactics, though the end result should always be reinforcing good behavior and providing guidance in the form of firm and gentle reminders. Nannies who work with their charges every day are in the unique position of being able to implement a routine and a long-term disciplinary system; for nannies with charges in the preschool age group, here are five effective techniques for discouraging problem behaviors.

1. Choose Your Words Carefully – Using the right language can go a long way towards preventing rebellious or defiant behavior in a preschooler who naturally feels compelled to test her boundaries. Rather than using language that demands she not behave badly, phrase your sentences so that they emphasize the correct behavior. For example, “walk nicely beside me on our way to the park” is more effective and less abrasive than “do not run when we’re on our way to the park.”
2. Distraction and Redirection – Children between three and five years old still tend to have relatively short attention spans, making it quite simple to distract them from behavior that could become problematic. Should distraction prove ineffective, redirecting your charge by presenting her with an acceptable alternative to her current behavior is more likely to lead to an amiable change rather than choosing to respond with a tantrum or outright defiance.
3. Don’t Fall Victim to a Power Struggle – Between the ages of three and five, a child is capable of having a reasonable discussion. However, these discussions cannot occur when she’s in the throes of a temper tantrum or determined to get her way as a result of a power struggle with her childcare provider. Acknowledging that you understand why she wants to behave in a way that isn’t safe or acceptable, while explaining the reasons she shouldn’t, will be far more effective than losing your temper and allowing the situation to degenerate into an argument. Remember, the goal is to teach her what behavior is appropriate, not frighten her into unquestioning compliance.
4. Use a System of Warnings or Reminders – Kids have to know what the rules are in order to follow them. Because preschoolers have a tendency to become completely absorbed in an activity, they may simply forget that certain behavior isn’t allowed. Rather than immediately resorting to punishments like time-out or withholding privileges, nannies should follow a policy of reminding a child of the rules and explaining to her that there are consequences to breaking them. By reminding her that there are rules and warning her that she will lose a privilege or be sent to time out if she chooses to continue to break them, you’re effectively providing her with a choice between good behavior with favorable outcomes and bad behavior with negative consequences.
5. Time-Out – For toddlers, time-out is used primarily as a distraction tactic or to provide a little one in the midst of a temper tantrum with the chance to calm down. For preschool-aged children with a stronger grasp of the concept of rules and expected behavior, time-out is most effective when implemented as a tool for reflection on their choice to behave poorly and the resulting outcome. Save the discussions about appropriate behavior for after the time out; it’s a chance for a child to reflect, not time for a nanny to lecture.

Because children are actively learning about the world through play and exploration, providing an environment that encourages safe experimentation can prevent many behavioral problems before they start. A room filled with fragile, expensive decorative items demands that children go against their natural impulses to play, causing nannies to police their behavior and children to feel stifled. If at all possible, try to keep your charges in the most kid-friendly parts of the house, limiting their exposure to things that they shouldn’t touch or play with at such a young age. It’s also important to remember that routine is essential for preschool-aged children; unfamiliar situations and disruption of an already-established routine can cause kids to feel anxious or unsure of the proper behavior, leading to acting out or mistakes in conduct. Preschoolers also play hard and tire quickly; exhaustion or hunger often causes irritability, so be sure that scheduled naps and snack times are adhered to. Setting a preschool-aged child up for behavioral success is the single best way to prevent disciplinary problems throughout the day.

Taken From Become a Nanny