Getting along
Getting along means that young children work and play together nicely. It means that children are friendly, tell the truth and care about others. Getting along means being able to fix problems without arguing or fighting. Violence is never an answer. When young children get along, they follow the important rules of the home, school and classroom. They also want to help to make their home and school cleaner and safer.
Examples of organised, getting along behaviour in children:
- Plays well with friends
- takes turns when playing with others
- asks nicely to join in a game
- asks for help politely
- listens to others when they talk
- does what his/her parents and teachers ask him/her to do
- makes an effort to be nice to someone who seems to be upset
- does not call others bad names (swears)
- does not interrupt others when they are talking. Waits patiently until they are finished then asks a question or makes a comment.
Ways to praise your child for getting along behaviour:
- 'You are really good at helping others'.
- 'You didn't try to lie. Telling the truth'.
- 'Good for you. You are really trying to get along with your friends'
- 'You are a good listener'
- 'I thank you for being patient and waiting until I was finished talking. That is very mature behaviour'
Teach your child the following getting along thinking:
- Being tolerant of others - We are all different. We all have good things about us
- Thinking first - When someone has something that I want, asking politely "May I have a go", not over reacting if something doesn't go your way
- Playing by the rules - Follow all the rules of the game. Rules help us to be safe and happy
- Social responsibility - It is good to help others. It is good to make and keep things clean and safe in our community
Practical things you can do to help your child get along:
- Acknowledge and praise your child when he/she is demonstrating good getting along skills.
- Do not use sarcasm, put your child down, communicate with a negative tone of voice or become furious when your child misbehaves. Behaviours are modelled.
- Teach your child what to say when he/she meets someone new.
- Teach your child to take turns
- Teach your child the importance of not saying mean things to someone else.
- Provide opportunities for your child to share their things with others.
- Teach your child they do not have to be the best at everything.