Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Very Expressive

Friends, Family and Home

• Encourage her to allow other children to take the lead and make decisions sometimes.
• Assist siblings in getting to make choices about things as well as the more expressive child.
• Provide time for him to calm down after disagreements with friends.
• Help siblings and family understand that she will often be loud and insistent.

Learning, Childcare and School

• Explain to teachers that he tends to react strongly.
• Work with teachers to develop consistent ways to handle her feelings and outbursts.
• Ask teachers to encourage activities that involve pretend play and acting things out.
• Provide learning activities such as musical instruments that allow expression.

Activities and Television

• Encourage him in organized sports or activities that teach self-discipline and control.
• Provide her with games that use dramatic expression such as charades and dramatic play.
• Talk about how people show their feelings on TV and different ways she could show his.
• Read books and watch TV shows about leaders and talk about their qualities and what they might have been like as children.

Guidance and Discipline

• Remind her to stop, think and then act.
• When he is intense, hold him, rub his back, have him take some deep breaths, allow time alone, or relax.
• In an intense situation, ask her to focus on the facts, not just how she feels.
• Be careful not to overreact to a child’s strong emotions. Stay calm!

Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Less Expressive

Friends, Family and Home

• Be sure that he gets as much attention and recognition as more expressive children.
• Encourage friendships with others not as expressive so that she is not overshadowed.
• Make sure that family members listen and reinforce him when he does express himself.
• Allow special time at dinner for children to express feelings and thoughts.

Learning, Childcare and School

• Talk to her teacher about the need to recognize and encourage her talents.
• Ask his teacher to encourage him to express himself.
• Ask teachers to be sure to spend time with her even when she is quiet.
• If he is being bullied, ask the teacher for a meeting and work together to help him.

Activities and Television

• Provide her with activities that are more individualized such as baking, woodworking, reading, and other hobbies.
• Encourage him to have fun, be silly and laugh!
• Provide a balance of active and quieter activities.
• Be sure a baby’s needs are met and a quiet baby isn’t ignored.

Guidance and Discipline

• Use body language as well as words to communicate ideas, and help her do the same.
• Practice with him through pretend play how to tell people what he needs.
• Appreciate her for who she is, and don’t expect her to be assertive all the time.
• Encourage him to share his feelings and ideas and to let you know if he feels ignored by you or others.