In the world of adults, I hear a lot of talk about a lack of empathy and self-control. What's causing these problems to increase? That seems to be the $64,000 question these days.

The easiest and quickest answer is that "nobody ever taught those individuals how to behave when they were children." Could this be true?

Is a lack of discipline or punishment causing children and adults to be out of control? Science and brain research tell us that harsher discipline and more punishment don't work to create impulse control in young children. Neither does indulgence or ignoring. Research does tell us that moderate attentive parenting gives the best results.

One thing research does tell us clearly is that early childhood is the time to start teaching Impulse control.

In the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second. After this period of rapid proliferation, connections are reduced through a process called pruning, which allows brain circuits to become more efficient. In light of these findings, focussing on early childhood only makes sense. -Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University-

But do we know the best techniques for teaching self-control?

If you're an early childhood educator who's not under immense stress, you probably know and do some of these things daily. If you are under too much stress, all you can do is your best.

Here's a recap of some of the most effective ways to teach young children self-control.

1)

Serve and Return

This method of infant and toddler communication works to teach young children the idea of taking turns which includes waiting. Click here or below to see a video from Harvard that illustrates this in just a few minutes.

2)

Reading

Reading to toddlers is a great way to develop focus and self-control. Children learn by observation. They do what you do, not what you say.

3)

Listen to them so they will llisten to you.

4)

Problem-solving teaches self-regulation and reflection. Talk them through things that require patience.

I understand that you want your bottle and I'm making it for you now. It will take a few minutes and you can have it. I hear you.

5)

Sticking to a routine can help children learn to wait. They learn that not every moment is going to be their favorite moment. A routine gives them something to look forward to. Here's an idea for an easy visual schedule that can help.

6)

Talk to them. The more language they know, the better. Teach them signs. Teaching children sign language is a proven way to enhance their language development.

I hope these ideas help you as much as they've helped me!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.

Citations

“Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.” Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 4 Dec. 2017, https://developingchild.harvard.edu/.