Stop singing (because I know you have the urg) and think with me for a minute. I am in a different world of kids who have big personalities, ideas, and character, but are still sooo immature.
1st grade.
The grade of picking noses and having kids make fun of them for doing so. The grade of gaining and losing a friendship in one day. The grade of boys and girls picking on each other just because of their gender. The age of kids not knowing personal boundaries. The grade of accelerated knowledge of reading and math. When you begin to notice groups and social networks. Big kids are no longer scary, but idols.
But do they know better? Do they say things to be mean or is it still a game of cause and effect? Do we punish behavior that is wrong the first time or do we give them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know right from wrong??
1st grade.
The grade of picking noses and having kids make fun of them for doing so. The grade of gaining and losing a friendship in one day. The grade of boys and girls picking on each other just because of their gender. The age of kids not knowing personal boundaries. The grade of accelerated knowledge of reading and math. When you begin to notice groups and social networks. Big kids are no longer scary, but idols.
But do they know better? Do they say things to be mean or is it still a game of cause and effect? Do we punish behavior that is wrong the first time or do we give them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know right from wrong??
Maybe it's a product of having my kids (who need to be told things multiple times), but I say when kids are acting contrary to how they should be acting that adults need to step up and making a moment for them to learn from it. Sometimes it is a simple misunderstanding of them not knowing what is and isn't appropriate, but shouldn't they still be told that/ maybe even punished for it (so it makes an impact?) In general, most kids do know what is semi-appropriate. And they maybe looking for a reaction, but they still need to be taught. I know if my kids weren't treating their friends how they are supposed to they would be held accountable, period. Yep, that's even true for my autistic kid- she knows it's not appropriate to pull down someone else's pants (although she may pull down her own.. lol). Kids are always learning- if you don't use that opportunity then they are still learning, but instead they are learning that behavior is acceptable.
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