What approach should staff take instead of punishing children?

The approach of positive guidance and discipline emphasizes teaching and supporting children rather than simply punishing them for undesirable behaviors. This strategy focuses on helping children understand the impact of their actions, encouraging them to make better choices, and promoting personal responsibility.

Positive guidance fosters a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves, learn from their mistakes, and develop essential social skills. By using this approach, staff can help children learn appropriate behavior through constructive feedback and redirection, rather than instilling fear or resentment that often accompanies punishment. It aligns with a developmental perspective that acknowledges children's needs for understanding, emotional support, and skill-building, which ultimately leads to more effective behavior management in the long term.