When a teacher punishes an entire group for the mistake of one, it is presumed to be fair by preschoolers aged between four and five years. That is because they have a different idea of what may be a fair punishment, as opposed to older children who may find group punishment unfair, says a new study.
What the study says
Conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan's Center for Human Growth and Development, US, the study has some interesting observations about fairness, as seen by a child.
- Preschoolers were motivated by compassion and were apprehensive about singling out one person in a group to discipline
- Preschoolers handed out the same awards and punishments to all in their age group, irrespective of merit
- Most older children thought that punishing everybody for the mistake of one person was unfair
The purpose of the study was to understand how children perceived discipline differently. Interestingly, it sheds light on how parents and teachers can discipline children aged between four and five years.
How to discipline your preschooler
While this study comes a revelation to most parents about the idea of 'fairness' to preschoolers; it's important to understand an important aspect of parenting them- misbehaviour can be an indication of feeling neglected. So you can begin with these few pointers:
- Set real goals: You can begin by asking your preschooler to share and help his friends. Also ask them to be courteous to their elders and use words like 'thank you' and 'please' wherever necessary.
- Be patient: Patience is the key to nail good parenting and discipline skills. If you feel your child will do something you don't want them to, let them try it out first and learn from their mistake. For instance, digging a hole in the middle of your garden or leaving their toys all over the house.
- Be attentive: You should validate your child's feelings and make them understand their mistake. This does not necessarily mean that you do this in front of others. You can take them in a separate room and tell them that you noticed what they did and why it's wrong.
- Lend an ear: Your preschooler may try to explain why they did something, so the best way to discipline them is to first listen up. Then explain why it's wrong or how they can do it better or differently. This way you give them attention and very politely discipline them without yelling.
- Lead by example: If you want your child to behave a certain way, especially when you are outside the house, you have to lead by example. They will follow your lead and accept your behaviour as ideal.
Fortunately for parents, just like everything else, even disciplining a preschooler can be done easily if you follow these simple time-tested ways.
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