We continue to hear news about bullying situations. It is a real problem for older children and can even become a dangerous situation. A preschool parent posted this wonderful article about knowing the difference between bullying and the more common less intense behaviors. You can read that article here.
Rude vs. Mean vs. Bully
The pictures below show just a few opportunities children at preschool might have to interact socially. With any social situation comes the possibility of inappropriate behaviors as children learn the social norms expected of them.
Developmentally, preschool children are still assimilating information about social situations. Young children have little information about dealing with others. They lack the knowledge about how to use social skills for ill will. Below is a previous article from our blog regarding this issue.
No Bullies at Preschool
As we begin a new school year, there are a few guarantees. A few of those are: There will be social conflict. There will be hitting. There will be tears as children figure things out.
It is our job to teach children how to manage these situations. I love watching children grow these skills just as much, if not more than, the typically thought of cognitive skills of preschool. With children, wherever two or more gather, there will be social conflict. We can stop and take off our adult ideas about motivation and simply teach.
Aldersgate Preschool 