5 Love Languages of Children

    

Throughout my years of teaching, my approach to discipline has changed. I don't know if it's not being 20 something, but 30 something, not being at the beginning my career, but in the middle,or if it's just life's lessons....but I do know that becoming a mother made me a better teacher, in the area of discipline most of all.

My kid is super sensitive. He is friendly, but an introvert. He embarrasses easily. He is very self critical. He is just intense, but in a good way of course! When he was about 3 years old, his tantrums were spiraling out of control, and he still has a mean temper although he is 6 now. Whenever my husband and I tried to correct him, or discipline him, his feelings just intensified. That's when I bought and read The Five Love Languages for Children. 

This is a series of books for couples, adolescents, but the one for children helped me be a better mother, and a better teacher. I have been "good" with those personalities I teach that are like mine...strong willed, brash, slightly arrogant (for more description...see my dad). It was the other types of personalities I needed to learn to work with and this book helped.

Now, when I have behavior management sheets, I build in success for those students. I am so much more observant. Some kids just do not care about that slip of paper or your cute little chart, some care immensely, but don't care about going to the treasure box. I learned to observe, to build a relationship, to find out WHAT they care about, and to use that to communicate with them. I learned that motivation can be verbal praise, physical touch (don't go crazy here...a high five or pat on the back is all this means), a good note, a prize from the treasure box, some quality time with the adult, etc. It's all about learning to listen and speak the child's love language. Once you figure that out, then you make the behavior charts, add to the treasure box, set aside the seat beside you at lunch, get your good notes ready to go, or get warmed up to give a hug. Check out the linky party here for more ideas on behavior slips and such.

As I was pinning away today I ran across a great pin, and reworked it to be, well, more attractive. Here is my rework, and here is the original. I think it fits right into this post. :) The thing about an introvert...they may be quiet as clams, but if they do not get the KIND and AMOUNT of attention they need...the quickly turn into moody, angry, snipping piranhas. For real. Trust me.