The Importance of Discipline in After School Programs

Most parents place their child in a program to promote learning and development of social and other skills needed. Discipline is necessary to facilitate a learning environment.

First Things First

Every program should start out by laying down the ground rules. Have a meeting with the kids and explain each of the rules. Offer them a chance to discuss any of the rules and make sure to place your expectations and consequences on them at that time. Letting the children know up front will prevent many future problems. Once they have a clear understanding of what's expected of them, then it's time to implement these rules. Children who misbehave, or break the rules, should be dealt with immediately and in a way that causes the least amount of disruption. Creating a scene in front of the other children in response to unruly behavior will only promote escalation. So, it's best to take a child aside, address them in a calm voice, but make sure to withhold your consequences with the disruptive child. It is not recommended to ignore any indiscretions as doing so could lead to a veritable "wildfire" of misbehavior. If the children do not believe that you will hold true to the consequences you have laid out, then you will never have control over their environment. Children will test their boundaries; it's in their nature to do so. Just remember that they need the stability of a secure environment and giving them strict guidelines makes them feel safe.

Why They Act Out

When a child misbehaves, it's generally due to a craving for attention. It's easy for a child to feel neglected in situation where there are many children in one environment. A supervisor should always keep in mind that if a child is acting out, there can be many underlying causes. Try to observe that child to get a better understanding why he/she is acting out. Sit down and talk with the child. Make eye contact with the child and show them you are listening to their needs. Many times sitting down with a child in this way will calm them and reassure them and the unacceptable behavior will cease. There are some instances, though, that will require more extreme disciplinary measures. In such situations, immediately remove the child from the sight of the other children. If this type of behavior continues with any particular child, the parent should be contacted and the child should be taken out of the after school program until remedied.

Discipline Helps Them Grow

After school programs can be an integral part of the growing process. Implementing discipline in our children's everyday lives helps them mature and learn more efficiently and it prepares them for the grown up world. Encouraging our children to live within boundaries is a healthy way to teach actions and consequences, important lessons needed to live a rich and full life.