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Dealing with struggles with children can be challenging. Young children tend to get very emotional and are frequently crying. Particularly children in Infants years, the smallest thing can reason a disagreement, generally in the playground over toys. I find that the best method to deal with conflicts is to be calm and get every child to clarify what happened, this demonstrates that you are not taking sides and are listening to both parties. Aim to make them realise that if they were put in the same situation as the other person(s), how they would feel and get them to apologise. As well, younger children, particularly those who may perhaps be an only child, find it more difficult to share. This is an additional issue affecting conflicts in this age cluster. For instance, during art class, distributing colours, several children don’t have the patience to wait for their turn; this causes little conflicts between children. As a result I try to make clear to them that they must be patient, be thoughtful of others and wait for their turn. Whereas with young people, you want to have a different approach in order to deal with disagreements. This age cluster are strong willed and generally will have their own opinions and ideas. They are more free and independent and include their own personalities hence will conflict further. They ought to be encouraged to converse about the concern and come to a joint agreement. Learning to acknowledge others views and opinions and to respect this. Adults must give young people the chance to resolves issues themselves and mediate only when essential. I believe when commencing with young people, you want to be able to listen to them, let them clarify the issue before jumping in giving and them your view. If the subject is discussed, they will understand for themselves what the right answer is.
Children constantly look up to adults and often will take lead from adults around them. If we demonstrate good behavior then they will receive that and will follow it. We must follow the guiding principle and rules, be well-mannered and respectful towards other, if the class teacher asks to do something then you must follow. Be presentable and wear smart attire. Treat everyone fairly and be conscious of your own approach. Being a team player and contributing help to others is beneficial in building successful relationships.
It’s important that me as a Teaching assistant understand the importance of being aware of my own behavior when it comes to interacting with children and young people. If I fail to listen and respect the class teacher, this creates a negative impact on children and young people. It’s wrong to advise them to do listen to the class teacher when we do not do it ourselves, this makes children think it’s okay to ignore the teacher as they follow by example. If a student observes that I have few favorites students, then he/she will believe he/she is been put on the back burner, could be thinking he/she is not good enough or smart enough, when he/she sees the other favorite students friendly with the me, this may results in a negative impact and could possibly start to rebel against the me and teacher or have conflicts with the ‘favorite’ student out of jealousy. It’s vital I make sure not to become overly friendly with young people, this could make the students feel that I am their friend and therefore may undermine my authority. For example, a student may think of you as their ‘mate’ and says an inappropriate joke, and when I try and be strict they might not take me seriously.