Child: Kids – Growth – Development
When punishment backfires

When punishment backfires

What punishment is supposed to teach Punishment is a consequence intended to reduce a behavior by making it less likely to occur again. In practice, however, a consequence communicates several messages at once: what the adult believes happened, whether the child is considered trustworthy, how conflict is handled, and what kinds of power are acceptable. […]

Bossy behavior in children and how to guide cooperation

Bossy behavior in children and how to guide cooperation

What bossy behavior may communicate Children may act bossy when they are trying to manage uncertainty, maintain control over an enjoyable activity, or obtain a desired outcome before their limited coping skills are overwhelmed. A preschooler may dictate the rules of pretend play because perspective-taking and reciprocal negotiation are still emerging. A school-age child may […]