How to Work With Children

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Working with children can be a joy and a challenge. Children see things through eyes that adults often forget existed. Adults must take on a different persona when working children than when working with other adults. Discovering tips on how to work with children will lead to success when completing a task with a child.

Steps

1
Tell the children the goal they are to achieve through the task. Children are often very anxious and cautious. They like to know exactly what they will be doing or what will be happening.
- Always give them the reassurance of stating the objective. Show a picture or sample of the completed task when working on a project with a child.
2
Give very explicit step-by-step directions on how to complete the task. Never assume that the children will know what you are talking about. After all, they do not have the background or life experience you have.
- Model the action you wish the child to complete.
- Name one step at a time with great details. Make sure the step is accomplished and understood before moving to the next one.
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3
Expect children to make mistakes. The best learning that takes place is from making your own mistakes.
- Do not criticize children for the things they do wrong. Instead, help them learn how to do the things right.
- Use a soft voice. Try not to yell at children it will only make them mad and disrespect you.
4
Encourage children to ask questions and put thought into what they are doing and why they are doing it.
- Never dismiss or condemn the child for being inquisitive.
5
Suggest alternative actions. Children have short attention spans and can very easily become off task, which often leads to mischief and trouble.
- Offer a more suitable activity for the child when a negative action is taking place. This is often more effective than punishment. In some cases, the children simply do not know what they should be doing so they create something.
6
Keep it entertaining. Children need excitement to stay motivated.
- Use as much enthusiasm as possible when working with children. If you are excited about the chore, or appear excited, the children will be also.
- Be creative and make a game out of learning and chores.
- Use songs, poems, board games, books and other games to relay the message and make the work pass more quickly.
7
Praise and reward children for good work and good behavior.
- You must tell children exactly what to do and also let them know when they do it right. Children need positive encouragement even more than adults.
- Use a positive word or touch to encourage the repetition of the behavior when you see an action you would like to have repeated by the child. A pat on the back or "good job" is often sufficient enough to make the child continue the action.
8
Use patience. Be patient. Kids hate when adults don't give them a chance to think.
9
Don't be afraid to show authority when necessary.

Warnings

Making jokes or negative comments about a child's work can turn him or her off from completing the task or attempting another one. Always explain how to correct the action rather than criticize.

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If a child has a serious problem consider telling their parents to help them.

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