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Expert Q&A
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| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
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My 4-year-old is too hard on himself. When he gets caught doing something wrong, he starts saying how "dumb" he is and starts hitting the wall. Could this be a sign of a problem? Is this discipline enough that he knows he's done something wrong, or should he still get a time-out?
It's not a good idea to encourage him in negative self-statements. If he misbehaves, he is not stupid, dumb, bad or anything else - he has acted in an inappropriate way. We all do that sometimes. It is a part of living and a part of growing up. Please let him know that it is only his action that you disapprove of, not him. I think that discussion is the thing that is needed most here, not an arbitrary isolation in his room. If his action is serious and has a consequence, then follow through on that. But I would keep an eye on the negativity on himself and think about counseling if it continues.
Harriet Worobey"
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