I would like to share how we support children through positive guidance in our Toddler Community environment.

At this stage of development, children are building their emotional understanding, language, and ability to function within a group. For this reason, our approach is based on providing respectful, consistent guidance with clear limits that offer security.

In our environment, discipline is understood as a process of teaching. We guide the child toward what they can do, using clear, calm, and positive language that helps them orient themselves within the environment.

For example:

• When a child interrupts a peer by taking a material, instead of saying “Don’t take it,” we guide by saying: “You can ask for a turn.”
• When a child runs inside the classroom, instead of saying “Don’t run,” we guide by saying: “We walk inside.”
• When a child raises their voice, instead of “Don’t yell,” we say: “We use a quiet voice.”

In this way, the child receives a clear direction and begins to internalize respectful forms of communication.

Freedom within the environment is always accompanied by clear limits. These limits protect both the child and the community. When intervention is needed, we do so calmly and firmly, while maintaining respect for the child.

• When a child attempts to hit, instead of saying “Don’t hit,” we intervene calmly by saying: “Hands are for helping and caring.”
• When a child uses a material inappropriately (for example, throwing or mishandling it), instead of saying “Don’t do that,” we guide by saying: “The material is used with care. I will show you how to use it.”

At the same time, we acknowledge their emotions:

• “I see that you are upset. I am here to help you.”

This balance between emotional validation and clear limits supports the development of self-control and internal security.

Consistency in our responses allows children to understand what to expect and, over time, develop self-discipline. Additionally, the adult serves as a model: how we speak, move, and care for the environment provides a constant reference for the child.

This process requires time, repetition, and close guidance, but it builds a strong foundation for independence, confidence, and social development during this first stage of life.

We are always available to connect and support families in this process.