SF Community Directories
- CPR Classes
- Daycare Centers & Preschools
- Recreation Centers, Playgrounds, & Pools
- Libraries
- Child-Friendly Fitness Facilities
- Shops
- Child-Friendly Restaurants
- Activities & Urban Adventures!
- Discounts
California Pacific Health Links
What I learned in Waldorf this week - Discipline
bensmommy | | 
0
I can go on and on about my lessons this week. And I finally made the recipe that we made in class in my own home because the creamy spinach and sweet potato soup was THAT good.
We talked a a bit about discipline this week. My son is a pretty mellow guy and I realized that after our discussion this week, which was somewhat of a review from a few months ago when I took my first class, that his behavior has dramatically improved and I think through some of the advice I gained from Lalla and Waldorf. Children have no sense of boundaries. They are not even 100% in their own bodies so when their hand reaches out to grab something, they almost don't associate their own, physical hand with that action. Once I understood that, I started to see how so much of my sons actions seemed as much a surprise to him as they were to me. So what have we done? When children get in each others space and they start grabbing or hitting each other, just put your arm in the middle. This indicates to them a "boundary" that they don't otherwise see. When they are aggressive, instead of answering with aggression, stroke their arms. I may be repeating myself but many things came clear to me this week.
And one parent made a nice comment about "time outs". I inadvertently gave my son his first time out the other day, more for me than him, really, and felt bad about it. Disciplining is not my strong suit. But this parent had learned in a yoga training that the time out really helps the child to step away from the situation and breath. The space and the breathe can really help to ease the situation. And as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the child learns to step back and take a breath, the better!
And there's my story for the week. Really there is so much more because I went to a 2 hour discussion about 'taking charge', but those details may have to wait for another day!
Take care,
Jessie
Waldorf, early childhood education, rhythm, discipline (all tags)
