Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Usually in a Happy Mood
Friends, Family and Home
- Ask her to help with younger siblings.
- Ask family members to not use labels, such as “always happy.”
- Introduce him to friends that need him, such as those with special needs or who are more serious.
- Point out when family members are feeling sad, and encourage sensitivity.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Don’t assume that she isn’t smart just because she isn’t as serious.
- Ask teachers to encourage him to express all of his feelings.
- Encourage problem-solving games and activities at home and at school.
Activities and Television
- Provide her with activities that require thought, such as strategy games and activities that must be planned and completed in a series of steps.
- Encourage him in service to others.
- When a person is sad or troubled on television, ask her if she ever feels that way, and talk about how she can let people know.
Guidance and Discipline
- Let him know that people will still like him if he is unhappy or serious at times.
- Avoid labels in front of others such as “she is always happy.”
- Develop a cue such as a word or gesture that you can use to let him know that he needs to be serious about what is being discussed or what is happening.
- Let her know that sometimes everyone is unhappy and to tell you if she feels down.
Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Usually Serious
Friends, Family and Home
Help the family to appreciate his more serious nature.- Involve her in play groups, and encourage friendships with many children.
- Plan fun and light-hearted family activities and outings.
Learning, Childcare and School
- Ask the teacher to involve him in puppets and dramatic play.
- Read nonfiction as well as fiction and humor books to her.
- Ask the teacher to assist him in joining groups for recess and play.
- Ask teachers to make special efforts to hold and cuddle a baby.
Activities and Television
- Involve her in activities with other children.
- Read joke books, and watch funny movies and talk about how fun it is to laugh.
- Provide games and materials that deal with his world and interests.
- Watch science and history shows with her on television, and discuss the show’s topics.
Guidance and Discipline
- If he seems depressed, talk to him and ask him how he is feeling.
- Give her time to explain and talk about her actions.
- Let him know that you appreciate him!
- Help her learn to name her feelings by naming them for her at first.
Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Usually Less Positive
Friends, Family and Home
- Share family stories with happy endings.
- Involve her in playgroups, and encourage friendships with many children.
- Give some notice before outings to discourage negative reactions.
- Allow everyone to share good things that happened today during meals or before bedtime.
Learning, Childcare and School
Praise his artwork, and ask him about things he enjoyed at school.- Find books in which the characters solve problems with a positive attitude.
- Ask the teacher to assist her in developing friendships.
- Let teachers know that baby may be fussy, and encourage them to be soothing and loving.
Activities and Television
- Involve him in fun activities with other children.
- Encourage her to play games without complaining about fairness.
- Participate with him in fun activities.
- Avoid television with sad themes and unhappy endings.
Guidance and Discipline
- Talk to her about positive, happy things in her life.
- Tell him when you see him enjoying activities and being happy.
- Let her know that you appreciate her!
- Recognize that a baby many seem crankier or smile less, and increase your efforts to cuddle and be loving.
