How To Minimize Difficult Behaviors
and Optimize Learning

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly."

-Buckminster Fuller

All kids will act up occasionally; it is a natural and healthy way for them to learn about limits. It is also helpful to remember that change is very difficult, but it is possible. Try to be patient with the kids in your groups as they learn how to act in a group. Also, don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as well as you would like. Good leaders have struggles and problems with kids occasionally.

One protective factor that helps kids overcome conduct problems is simply having an adult who sincerely cares and can offer support during difficult times. In addition, being a member of a worthwhile group and being involved in community activities can also help kids stay out of trouble. Just by being involved in youth activities, you are already helping kids to learn appropriate behaviors and stay out of trouble.

Understanding Discipline

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Discipline is an important part of child development. However, some methods of discipline are more effective than others, and some are even quite damaging to kids. The most effective discipline is youth-centered rather than adult-centered. (Also see Lesson 3, Using Kids as Resources for more information.)

Adult-centered discipline generally benefits only the adult. If a kid acts up, the behavior is stopped because it is irritating to the adult, not necessarily because the adult is concerned about the child or other kids in the group. This discipline is often used in a crisis, or when a leader is frustrated, angry, or doesn't know how to handle a situation. The adult may not explain the rules and expectations beforehand but reacts according to his or her mood.

Youth-centered discipline is discipline that truly contributes to the healthy development of the kids. Put simply, the kids come first. The adult is more democratic, letting the group have some input on the rules and consequences (see "Tips for Rule-Making" for more information). Rules and expectations are explained clearly before the group member acts up. Above all, the leader is genuinely warm and concerned for the child’s well-being.

Consider the following strategies for implementing youth-centered discipline:

Using Consequences to Teach
Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Modeling Good Behaviors
Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

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