FOLLOWING RULES
Teaching your child to follow the rules in spaces and in social settings is very important for their social health. There should be some rewards and consequences that work together to encourage rule following. Teaching and establishing the need for rules early on is important in minimizing the amount of problem behaviors kids face and giving structure to their lives. At this age, children want to get approval from authoritative figures, so setting rules and keeping them involved in the process will help them follow them now and in the future.
SETTING RULES
IDENTIFY RULES
For rules of the house it is helpful to post them somewhere common so your child is constantly reminded.
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EXPLAIN RULES
Your child should understand why the rule is set in place, this ensures they know why they have to follow it.
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FOLLOW RULES
The rules should be followed by all members of the family or household, if your child sees that you are not following the rules they will think they don't have to either.​
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REWARDS & CONSEQUENCES
There should be a mix of both in enforcing rules. Enforcement should also happen immediately so there is a clear connection to why the reward or consequence is happening.
THINGS TO TRY!
Come up with a set of rules together.
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Talk about how rules of the house are different than rules of school.
BEING A GOOD FRIEND
Friendships are very important at this young age. Most of the time they are the first time kids are creating relationships outside their families or without the help from a family member or parent. With no adult there to help, it is important to highlight the idea of healthy friendships and what it means to be a good friend. Friends are people who like to spend time together and have fun with one another. The focus should be on sharing and teamwork, respecting self and others, and using kindness and listening skills.
CHARACTERISTICS
FUN ACTIVITIES!
\FINGERS OF FRIENDSHIP
Trace your hand on a piece of paper. Write out what makes a good friend on each finger. Color!
BUILD your own
FORT WITH SOMEONE
PRIVACY & BOUNDARIES
It is important at this age to teach children about boundaries and privacy. Personal boundaries define the personal space that your child is comfortable with as well as standing up for these boundaries. There are a variety of boundaries that are material, physical, and mental. Having healthy boundaries and respecting others inspires confidence and emotional intelligence in a child. They should also know that it’s always okay to say no to something they are not comfortable with. Teaching this at a young age can prevent them from later becoming susceptible to abuse.
TYPES OF BOUNDARIES
Material
This is what it means to respect other people's belongings when you are sharing.
Physical
This is having respect for everyone's boundaries when it comes to touching others. Everyone has the right to their own body.
Mental
This means everyone has the rights to their own thoughts and beliefs seperate from others.
Emotional
This means recognizing your own emotions without influence from others.