planning pro social environment

Pro social behaviour

Pro social behaviour is the opposite of antisocial behaviour. Prosocial benefits others and demonstrates the presence of a social conscience. Prosocial behaviours are ways of responding to other people through sympathetic, cooperative, helpful, rescuing, comforting, sharing and giving acts.

Antisocial behaviour harms others, and indicates a disregard for the rights and needs of others.

Activity:

Give FOUR examples of prosocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour.

Remember that children  shows their egocentrism ( self-centered). Prosocial behaviour is not an inborn trait, but a slowly learned way  of acting that wins approval and affection from others. Children adopt prosocial behaviours only after much experience and practice in an environment that demonstrates and nurtures positive social interaction.

The prosocial behaviour focuses on 3 elements:

1.    Cooperation – working with others unselfishly toward a common goal

2.    Empathy – putting oneself into other’s shoes, to feel what they feel and to have insight into their thoughts and actions.

3.    Altruism – behaving generously, acting in a way that benefits others with no motive of personal gain.

Nurturing social environment 

Refers to a setting in which children feel safe enough and comfortable enough to be cooperative, empathetic and altruistic. A child may behave in a prosocial manner in one setting but not in another; day-to-day  behaviour depends  to a great extent on the surroundings. Therefore, make sure that we provide:

·         Relaxed and playful environment  where young children can play and explore.

·         Creating a cooperative setting

·         Developmentally appropriate activities, materials and routines

·         Consistency

Activity:

Discuss  and give examples of

a) relaxed and playful environment

b) cooperative setting

Nurturing adult

The truly nurturing adult is simply honest and  emotionally healthy person who has learned how to be both assertive and caring at the same time. Discuss below are:

·         How to be more nurturing and patient.

o   Most parents admit that at least on some occasion, they have spanked their own child, specifically toddlers or developmentally  delayed children. They spank because of expressing their frustration and feelings of helplessness in trying to manage their children.

o   Child is overly loud and boisterous                 use soft-voiced and calm

o   Studies show that physical punishment tends to result in immediate child compliance, it also increases aggression, slows moral internalization, and risk mental health.

Physical punishment

Is smacking a good way of  disciplining children?  Research  shows that it can cause emotional tensions in the family and teach children to be aggressive. There have also been cases where children have been injured as parents can easily misjudge the strength of their actions.

Why smacking does not work

o   It does not teach children how to resolve conflicts peacefully.

o   Young children do not always understand why they have been smacked.

o   The fear of a smack can lead children to lie about their actions.

o   Children learn that being violent can be acceptable.

o   Smacking does not show children how to control their anger.

o   Children who have been smacked are more likely to smack when they are parents.

o   Most parents are not very consistent about when they smack. This means that children learn that sometimes a behaviour is accepted, whereas at other times it is not.

o   Parents who find that they are smacking a lot may benefit from attending a parent group such as parent link which runs classes on how to manage children’s behaviour.

·         How nurturing adults respond to aggression

o   Use correct words, be positive with children

o   Example: “ I know you don’t want to wash your hands right now, but you must have clean hands in order to be allowed to eat.”

o   Later children will imitate to use words to express anger.

·         How to be a good model (imitation).

o   Babies are able to mimic bits and pieces of behaviours they observe.

o   Preschoolers imitate entire sequences of behaviour.

o   School age children are more selective in  choosing role models they admire.

o   Children who spend long hours of watching television tend to internalize the language and behaviour they see. Therefore adults should monitor and limit certain programs.

Behavioural modification strategies

Star charts

The idea of a star chart is to reward a child for wanted behaviour in a positive and tangible way. Children are told that everytime they show a certain type of behaviour – for example, they help tidy up – they will get a sticker. The sticker is put on to a chart and the child is told that when he has a certain number of stickers he will be given another reward.

Stickers or stars are most commonly used because children can actually hold and see them. This can be used effectively with children over four years old.

Using star charts with children

1.    make sure that  children know what they have to do to get a star

2.    set achievable targets for them – if is is too hard, they will fail and come to believe they are not able to be good

3.    give the star or sticker soon after the behaviour has been shown

4.    do not use stickers as a threat – eg. “ If you don’t behave you won’t get a sticker”. The whole experience should be positive.