Have you ever stopped to think about the kind of language that you use to describe the children in your care? Children often get labeled based on their personality and behavior, with a variety of terms such as “difficult” for those that display more challenging behavior, or “bossy,” for those who are more assertive. The words that we use to describe the little ones in our care can have a significant impact on the way that they are viewed by others and by themselves. It can also affect the way that educators interact with children – viewing children’s behavior with a more positive lens can help us to be more empathetic and patient.
This free resource from Sesame Workshop reminds us of the importance of using positive, supportive words to describe children. For example, instead of labeling a child as “clingy,” we can try thinking of them as “loyal” or “loving.” With this lens, you can focus on reassuring them that they are loved and that you care about their feelings.
Find the full article on the Sesame Workshop website.
