24 secrets of daycare teachers—steal their tricks!

Not only do daycare teachers model wanted behaviour, but they use positive reinforcement to eliminate negative behaviour. For Clusiault, that means following up her requests (“I need you to put away your whining voice and talk to me in your speaking voice”) with positive statements when kids comply: “Thank you for asking me so nicely. I love that!” If your kids have a tendency to hit out of frustration, then be sure to shower them with praise when you catch them asking nicely for a turn or showing empathy toward a sibling.