Never tease or ridicule a child. Laugh with a child but never at him.

Never exploit a child by having him “show off” before your friends.

Do not flatter a child by telling him he is a “big boy” or blame him by saying he is “too big” for such behaviour. Do not put a premium on “being big”

Never offer a child a choice when you cannot grant a choice. Do not ask “Would you like to put your sweater on?” If he must do it, say “Let’s put your sweater on”

Never be afraid to admit you were wrong. Admitting your error need not weaken your authority. Too often adults say “YES” or “NO” without thinking through thoroughly, then feel they must stick to their word or “loose face” with the child.

Never make definite promises since circumstances beyond your control may make it impossible to keep your word. (Example – you promise a child a trip to the zoo and a storm comes up or your car breaks down.)

Never humiliate a child. Such remarks as “What! A big girl like you still sucking her thumb!” even though spoken in a jovial manner, can cripple a child’s needed confidence in your approval and love.

Never threaten a child with loss of affection because of his behaviour. Do not say “Miss Jones does not like you when you do that.” Or “If you loved mother, you would mind her.”

Never compare children. Do not say, “See how nicely Jhonny eats his vegetables”. This will not teach the child to eat vegetables but will make him dislike Jhonny.

Never threaten or bribe a child. Promising him something he like in return for “good” behaviour, or threatening punishment in return for “bad” behaviour, clouds the issue involved.

Never deny a child something, and then give in because he creates a scene. Be very sure your denial is necessary before you make it, then stick to it.

Do not “take it out” on the child if you are nervous, worried, or ill. Be honest about your own emotions. Try cultivating a sense of humour.

Avoid situations which encourage competition. Trying to be the “first one through” or painting “the best picture” is poor procedure.

* Please read, circulate, and keep with you for future reference *