Reflection Blog #8 Chapter 28

1. What information surprised you or was new to you in this chapter? Hows does this information connect to info in the main course text?

Some information that surprised me was when the book was talking about timeouts and saying that they are mentally and emotionally damaging.  This wasn't really surprising to me but more of a lightbulb moment because it's absolutely right.  It hurts the child's feelings because they are trying to communicate some sort of frustration and punishing them because they aren't doing what you want to do is not the answer.  The only part I could really see is providing developmentally appropriate education because the "calm down time" or "time in", whatever you want to call it, has to fit the age you are working with as well as the curriculum.  You can't treat bigger kids like toddlers and vice versa.

2. What information do you agree with and why? What info do you disagree with and why?

I agree with the information when it talks about needing to sit and talk with the child so they don't feel rejecting by having them sit out by themselves and not interacting with them because that makes them feel shame.  However, sometimes the child really does need to sit alone and not talk to anyone for a few minutes.  Talking might just make them more upset.  I don't agree with the information in the Pica book when it says "spanking had its time."  Nope, there are situations when it's most definitely appropriate.  That's a super touchy subject for me and my parenting, and the way I was brought up.  I'm not saying that I result to spanking at first, it's mostly a last resort for me, but for my husband, he sometimes goes to that first which frustrates me.

3. Describe an experience you have had that relates to the information in this reading.

At the preschool, kids can get overwhelmed super easily, especially when someone else takes their toy away or gets to a toy sooner than someone else.  It could be super big meltdowns about that.  Just on Friday, I had one of the little girls in my class have a fit because her time was up at the light table.  I explained that we have to share because everyone needs a chance and there are rules for that center.  She eventually calmed down.

4. How can you use this information in your personal or work/school life? 

I can implement the part about talking to the child instead of sitting them aside by themselves.  Sometimes in the moment, it's a lot easier to just move the child away without talking to them first.

5. Rate this chapter on a scale of 1 to 5 and explain your rating (1 = low and 5 = high).

This chapter is a 5 because I can use it in my parenting with my 3 boys at home too. it doubles as a parenting class too!!