Hey friend,
So, you’re running (or about to start) a daycare—that’s amazing! Small group settings offer so many advantages, like more one-on-one attention, closer relationships with the kids, and a cozier, home-like environment.
But let’s be real—behavior management is still a challenge!
When you have a small group of children, their personalities can clash, their energy can explode, and some days, it can feel like you’re managing a tiny tornado instead of a calm, structured daycare. Sound familiar?
Trust me, you’re not alone. Every daycare provider faces behavior challenges. The good news? You can create a positive, well-managed environment without yelling, bribing, or losing your sanity.
In this blog, I’ll share proven strategies that will help you keep your small group happy, engaged, and well-behaved, so you can focus on what you love—nurturing and teaching young minds.
Why Small Groups Have Big Behavior Challenges
While small group settings allow for closer relationships, they also come with unique behavior challenges, such as:
1. Increased Social Conflicts
With a small group, kids spend a LOT of time together, which can lead to:
✔️ More power struggles over toys.
✔️ Increased sensitivity to who gets more attention.
✔️ Difficulty managing personal space.
2. Big Emotions in a Small Space
Young children are still learning self-regulation, and in a small setting, one child’s big feelings can affect the whole group.
3. High Expectations from Parents
Because you offer a personalized environment, parents often expect you to handle behavior perfectly—which adds extra pressure.
But don’t worry! With the right strategies, you can create a calm and structured environment that works for everyone.
Step 1: Set Clear Expectations from Day One
💡 Why This Works: Kids thrive when they know what to expect and understand the rules.
How to Do It:
✔️ Set 3-5 simple rules (Example: “Be kind,” “Use gentle hands,” “Listen to your teacher”).
✔️ Use visual cues—a chart with pictures helps non-readers remember.
✔️ Model the behavior yourself—kids learn by watching YOU!
📊 Fact: Studies show that children as young as 18 months can understand and follow simple expectations when they are consistently reinforced.
Step 2: Teach Social-Emotional Skills Daily
💡 Why This Works: Many behavior challenges happen because kids don’t yet have the words or skills to manage their emotions.
How to Do It:
✔️ Start each day with a feelings check-in (use emotion cards or mirrors).
✔️ Teach simple calm-down strategies like belly breathing or counting to 10.
✔️ Read books about emotions (e.g., The Color Monster, How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad?).
✔️ Role-play common conflicts and solutions (e.g., sharing, waiting turns).
📊 Fact: Research shows that children who receive daily social-emotional learning have 42% fewer behavior issues in early childhood settings.
Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement (Not Just Consequences)
💡 Why This Works: Kids repeat behaviors that get attention—so give more attention to good behavior than bad!
How to Do It:
✔️ Give specific praise (“I love how you’re using kind words with your friend!”).
✔️ Use sticker charts or small rewards for consistent positive behavior.
✔️ Celebrate group success (e.g., “If everyone cleans up quickly, we get extra story time!”).
📊 Fact: Studies show that positive reinforcement is 5x more effective than punishment in shaping long-term behavior.
Step 4: Redirect, Don’t Just Punish
💡 Why This Works: Instead of saying “Stop doing that!”, teach kids what TO do instead.
How to Do It:
✔️ If a child is running inside, say, “Let’s try walking feet.”
✔️ If a child is grabbing a toy, say, “You can ask, ‘Can I have a turn?’”
✔️ If a child is upset, say, “It’s okay to be mad. Let’s take deep breaths together.”
📊 Fact: Studies show that redirection reduces tantrums by 40% compared to time-outs alone.
Step 5: Keep Them Busy with Engaging Activities
💡 Why This Works: Most behavior problems happen when kids are bored or have too much unstructured time.
How to Do It:
✔️ Have a predictable daily schedule with plenty of hands-on activities.
✔️ Use sensory play to keep active kids engaged.
✔️ Rotate toys every few weeks to keep interest levels high.
✔️ Plan small group activities to encourage teamwork and social skills.
📊 Fact: Kids who engage in structured, hands-on activities are 60% less likely to engage in disruptive behaviors.
Step 6: Stay Calm and Be the Leader
💡 Why This Works: Your energy sets the tone—if you stay calm, kids will too.
How to Do It:
✔️ Take deep breaths before responding to challenging behavior.
✔️ Speak in a calm, steady tone (even when you’re frustrated).
✔️ Show empathy—acknowledge feelings before redirecting behavior.
📊 Fact: Children mirror adult emotions—if you stay calm, they are more likely to regulate themselves faster.
Step 7: Communicate with Parents Effectively
💡 Why This Works: Parents want to be involved, but they also need to trust you to handle things professionally.
How to Do It:
✔️ Share daily updates (positive moments AND challenges).
✔️ Offer gentle feedback instead of complaints (“Today, Jake had trouble sharing, so we practiced turn-taking with a timer.”).
✔️ Work together on solutions (“What strategies work at home when Mia is frustrated?”).
📊 Fact: When teachers and parents communicate regularly, behavior issues decrease by 30%.
Final Thoughts: You Can Create a Peaceful, Happy Small Group Environment
Friend, I know behavior management can feel overwhelming, but trust me—YOU can do this.
✔️ Set clear expectations.
✔️ Teach social-emotional skills daily.
✔️ Reinforce positive behavior.
✔️ Redirect, rather than punish.
✔️ Keep kids busy with engaging activities.
✔️ Stay calm and lead with confidence.
✔️ Communicate openly with parents.
When you apply these strategies, you’ll see a huge difference in your group’s behavior. More cooperation, more kindness, and fewer meltdowns. And on those tough days? Just remember—you’re shaping not just their behavior, but their future. 💛
What’s Next?
✅ Download My Free Behavior Management Checklist (Coming Soon).
✅ Join My Facebook Group for Daycare Owners to share strategies & support (Coming Soon).
You’ve got this! Now go create that calm, structured, and joyful small group setting. 😊
Let’s Chat!
What’s your biggest challenge with behavior management? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help! 🎉
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