This is an actual title of a book in Jack’s classroom at school and I think it’s perfect! We’ve been having our own lessons in keeping our hands to ourselves lately.
Since his graduation to the toddler room at the beginning of August, Jack has now had issues with hitting/pushing one of his friends who is still in the infant room.
How are they still in contact? He, like us, arrives a few minutes early for school in the morning so there is a waiting period in the area outside before the doors open at 8:30.
Recently, Jack just can’t seem to control himself and pushes his little friend whenever said friend gets too close. He doesn’t do it with any of the other kids, just this little guy.
I, being a touch on the dramatic side, have called school to discuss his behavior and lament over the fact that my child is already a bully. A lengthy conversation with the director, who gave me tips on how to calmly handle the situation when it occurs, left me feeling a bit better.
I’m fairly certain that Jack isn’t a bully at this point, but rather still has problems controlling his impulses – as most toddlers his age do. Fortunately, the friends’ parents have been awesome about the whole thing and we have been able to work together when the boys are around each other to minimize the problem.
This whole situation got me thinking about the importance of parental involvement in a child’s life both in and out of the home.
Chances are Jack would just outgrow this behavior regardless of whether or not I had intervened. But I saw this as an opportunity to teach him about proper conduct and so took action.
To me, these little lessons are important for laying a strong foundation for him to draw from when I’m not around to mediate.
Right now these kids are like sponges and they pick up on everything we say and do so leading by example is key. (And no, Jack’s father and I do not go around hitting and/or shoving people so he did not pick up this behavior from us)!
So, not to go all Whitney Houston on you, but these children ARE our future so we should teach them well so that they will be able to lead the way (and you’re welcome for getting this song stuck in your head for the remainder of the day).
