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Tattling seems to occur in many school-age programs and is a typical behavior for many children. Frequently, the child who tattles is insecure and tattles to get your attention. As a child care professional, you may find tattling irritating, but you need to listen to the children. You want the children to be aware that classroom limits are important. You do not need to be told, however, each time a child misbehaves.
To prevent tattling, try to build children’s self-esteem. This, in turn, will make them feel more secure. For a child who is insecure, stay close while supervising. Knowing that a caring adult is nearby is helpful.
Try to have a daily one-to-one time for listening and talking with each child. This may be during free play or small group time. During this time, provide the child feedback by recognizing his or her positive qualities. To illustrate, you may say, “Devin, I like the way you help Marco” or “Kate, Michael enjoys having you help him with the puzzle.” Positive reinforcement will help to prevent a child’s need to tattle.
Try ignoring tattling behavior. If Jeff tattles to you that Steven has taken his scissors, comment by saying “You need to talk to Steven about your scissors.” This encourages Jeff to speak to the child who has misbehaved. Likewise, if Aiden tattles that Grant has taken his bicycle, encourage problem solving. Say “Grant has taken your bike. What should you do?” If Alisha always talks about other children, set a limit by saying “I enjoy talking with you, but we shouldn't talk about others.”
To prevent tattling, try to build children’s self-esteem. This, in turn, will make them feel more secure. For a child who is insecure, stay close while supervising. Knowing that a caring adult is nearby is helpful.
Try to have a daily one-to-one time for listening and talking with each child. This may be during free play or small group time. During this time, provide the child feedback by recognizing his or her positive qualities. To illustrate, you may say, “Devin, I like the way you help Marco” or “Kate, Michael enjoys having you help him with the puzzle.” Positive reinforcement will help to prevent a child’s need to tattle.
Try ignoring tattling behavior. If Jeff tattles to you that Steven has taken his scissors, comment by saying “You need to talk to Steven about your scissors.” This encourages Jeff to speak to the child who has misbehaved. Likewise, if Aiden tattles that Grant has taken his bicycle, encourage problem solving. Say “Grant has taken your bike. What should you do?” If Alisha always talks about other children, set a limit by saying “I enjoy talking with you, but we shouldn't talk about others.”
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