Modeling Behaviors for Children
Let's talk about teaching desired behavior in children.
What is modeling and why is it important?
🦋 modeling is learning by copying someone else's behavior or actions
🦋 children are always watching and listening. Monkey see, monkey do. Show them how you recognize your own feelings and respond accordingly. "I'm frustrated right now, so I'm going to take a second and do some calm breathing"
🦋 modeling desired behavior leads to ✨metacognition✨ - the awareness and understanding of one's own thought process and feelings
🦋 the more you model appropriate behaviors and responses, the more your child will!
This is also true with directions and expectations. If you take the time to model what you are expecting of the children, this will create autonomy and independence. Children will be able to see what you are asking of them, hear what you are asking of them, and then they have the ability to try all by themselves. Parents of little ones recognize the desire for independence and trying things on their own. Do not give up after one or two times of modeling behaviors and expectations, research suggests that it can take between 6 and 15 times of showing food to toddlers before they try it. The same is true of behaviors and habits.
Have high expectations for your children while promoting independent growth through modeling!
Your friend,
Justine Green, Ed.D.
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