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.