Scenario 2

Discussion: Scenario 2 Conversations * Module 1 Page 20 (11)

6/1/2016

Scenario 2 :
The family was very upset when they came to pick up their son and found him dressed as a princess. They say they’re worried about him being teased and/or not understanding appropriate “male” behavior.

Using positive communication techniques, how would you handle this scenario?

27 Comments

Jack S.

9/12/2018 09:49:19 am

I would listen first to the parents and their concerns about their child to see where they are coming from. Then, in a calm and collected manner, I would explain that I understand how I understand where they are coming from and assure them that they have no worries. I would then go on to explain it is perfectly natural for a child of his age to explore and dress in such ways, to which i'd also comment that it would not change his behavior as a male rather the child is just using his imagination/pretending, and inform them their child isn't the only one who dresses up as such. I would transition to the bullying aspect and assure them because of the accepting nature of the center and kids within, the children are not likely to bully over this kind of play. If, however, the bullying did occur I would make sure it was taken care of and to notify them (the parents).

Gianna M Starble

9/12/2018 04:53:26 pm

I would make sure I heard all of the questions and concerns from the parent. Then I would tell them that I understand where they are coming from, but at school we allow children to dress up in all the costumes available. By engaging in a variety of dramatic play they are learning different perspective and building appreciation of diversity.

Jerrica

9/13/2018 10:12:24 am

I would first listen to parents concerns and talk to them about them. If it truly has to do with worried about bullying, I would re-ensure them that we don't except bullying and that if it happens, we will take care of it and notify the parent of the bully.
I would also remind them that young kids like to explore their dramatic play and that dressing as the "opposite" sex is totally normal as they are learning who they are. They also like to imitate those who they admire.
I then would invite them to come another day and watch their child play to show them what their child all does. If they are not content with this, we would collaborate on ways to make them feel comfortable and resolve any issues.

Clarence Wong

9/13/2018 11:36:25 am

It is very important to first listen to the family's concerns and why they are concerned. Once the family is finished, I would explain to them that their child is in control of their own body. However the child wants to express themselves is very much okay in the classroom. Explaining to the family that kids at this age are starting to explore who they are. They are zero bullying policies in our centers therefore, any teasing will be addressed in an appropriate manner.

Kimberly Bernatovich

9/13/2018 12:56:32 pm

Let the parents know that you hear their concerns, Letting parents know that the child is playing and that it is ok for the child to roll play. This is healthy

Stephanie Wooten

9/13/2018 04:36:23 pm

This is a tough one for me, which is why I chose it. I have strong opinions that gender-conformity is oppressive and stunts social and emotional growth. But I understand that as an educator, I need to check my personal opinions at the door and place the families and their concerns as a priority. Since the key to communication with families is to listen and then evaluate what information would be best to share, I would listen first. I didn't know that it is considered "developmentally appropriate" for children to explore gender roles in the form of "costume" as most of the other commenters are saying, so my first comment would be to reassure the parents that their child is exploring the environment in ways that we welcome. I work at a Montessori, so I would iterate that our philosophy encourages children to follow their interest and do work which intrinsically motivates them. Through this I would explain that their son is growing from the experiences he is choosing to engage in. I would then explain that we redirect negative comments or behavior by identifying to the children the underlying feelings behind their responses, identifying the consequent feelings of the recipient, and provide an alternate way for them to express their feelings that does not harm others. (In essence, their child will not be ridiculed or bullied).

Kaila Austin

9/13/2018 04:43:07 pm

I would begin by listening to the parent's concerns and assure them that their child's actions are not indicative of his general behavior. At my school, children's choices and freedom of choice are important. It may be worth while to explain to the parents that their son's choice to wear a princess outfit is meaningful in that he was free to make the choice for himself, and not demeaned for doing so.

Shril D. Sampson

9/14/2018 01:54:50 pm

At less then 2yrs old children don't full understand how they are hurting other and that biting isn't a way of getting your way. Inform parents to assist in guiding students to share and show them how they may be hurting others without overly stressing out the child

Larissa Nicole Hutto-Briseno

9/14/2018 10:18:07 pm

I would hear the parents' point of view and their concerns then reassure them that their son's behavior is perfectly normal. I would also explain that we encourage children to explore different roles in dramatic play and give them the freedom to pick which role(s) they may be interested in. I would also elaborate by explaining that responding in a negative way may alter their child's ability to be open to diversity and may not be beneficial to their development and growth. You could give examples of ways to redirect their son (if they truly aren't accepting of his wardrobe choices in dramatic play) without negative connotations.

Shaelynn

9/15/2018 02:30:33 pm

I would encourage him that we see many boys want to wear those costumes and many girls want to dress up as superheros or firefighters, for example. i would listen to their concerns but assure them It's perfectly normal

Amber

9/15/2018 04:16:08 pm

I would listen to the parents concerns and answer any questions they have. I would let them know that when the kids are in the dramatic play area they all wear whatever they want, its a normal way to express themselves. I would also stress that we do not allow bullying or teasing.

Sarah Harrison

9/16/2018 03:07:41 pm

I would be patient and listen fully to what the parents had to say. I would then address their concern by first stating that this is an inclusive and harassment free environment and that all children and staff are treated with respect and in turn are expected to treat others the same. I would validate their concerns but explain to them that what their son is doing is normal and that he will be supported here by everyone, regardless of how he chooses to express himself.

Ashley Swain

9/16/2018 07:53:52 pm

First I would listen to their concerns. I would then explain that it is a normal thing to express themselves in all areas in dramatic play. As well as letting them know that all the kids and staff treat each other with respect and support.

Ana Hedenstrom

9/17/2018 07:32:43 am

I would meet the parent explaining that I understand where they are coming from, however all play costumes are available for all students to play with and we don't restrict anyone. I would explain that while in play, children make choices that may not have a larger implication in their life. Next, I would tell parents that every family has different beliefs about these things. I would encourage parents that at home they can explain to a child the family norms and beliefs around gender, but that at school they are able to free play with all the toys without that kind of restriction.

Danielle Ahrens

9/17/2018 10:30:39 am

Listen to all concerns that the parent may have. Try and answer the questions. But let the parents to know that it is completely normal for children to explore and dress up. It is a learning experience and a way to roll play for the children.

Yarely Contreras

9/17/2018 01:30:10 pm

I would begin by letting the parents voice their concerns and then go on to share with them that we like to provide an environment that is inclusive of children using any dress up clothes as they would like (without judgment). I would also reassure the parents that the children do not engage in bullying behavior and are encouraged to accept how differently all children play with the toys.

chelsea lancaster

9/17/2018 05:02:02 pm

Under 2 years of age, most children don't fully understand the concept that biting is bad. Most toddlers bite because they're figuring out what their mouths can do.

Jessica Weaver

9/17/2018 08:01:52 pm

I would tell the parent that every child has the opportunity to dress or play in any gender or role. I would explain that all people are capable of being gentle, nurturing, and empathetic. Show that we provide toys for children to learn "appropriate male behaviors." Assure the parent that their child is not being judged for exploring roles.

Kristine Hawk

9/18/2018 12:16:44 pm

I would first let the parents voice their concerns, while I let them know I am listening. Then I would let them know of the bullying policy and how those kinds of things are not accepted. I would then let them know that playing as the opposite sex is nothing to be concerned about with children at that age, and that it indicates the child is developing and are on track. I would also let them know, that their child will not be excluded for situations or groups of play and that items like costumes are available to be played with by all students.

Rachel Wilson

9/18/2018 12:36:56 pm

I would listen to the parents and assure them I hear their concerns. Then, I would let them know that this is normal, healthy role play for children of this age, and we do not want them to be excluded from any of our activities, as nothing is targeted at one specific gender.

Tori Pleake

9/18/2018 05:11:42 pm

Listen to what the parents have to say and let them know you hear them loud and clear then explain to them that we try to encourage diversity and we mean it as a positive learning lesson

Robert Robinson

9/18/2018 08:13:27 pm

After listening to what the parent's concerns, and verifying that I understood their view-point, I would tell them that we attempt to accept people as they are and encourage being different as a way to grow and discover who they are.

Diana

9/18/2018 09:46:54 pm

I would listen to parent, and let them know that I understand why they might be feeling upset. I would also explained to them that diversity and independence is important at the center and that we allow children to express themselves in anyway that they would like to.

Jessica Cook

9/19/2018 09:52:09 pm

I would first and foremost listen to their concerns and frustrations. Afterwards, I would address their concerns by reassuring them that this type of behavior is absolutely normal for their child's age group. I would follow up the conversation by explaining the importance of free play at this age without the interruption from adults.

Faiza Guled

9/20/2018 11:42:45 am

I would make sure I listen to all of the questions and concerns from the parents. I would then explain that the child is engaging in dramatic play, just like all the other kids. And that this enhances children's imagination and builds different perspectives.

Briana Owes

9/20/2018 06:50:22 pm

He was just playing with his friends. we as teachers cannot prevent them from exploring all of the toys. Its a part of his developing process.

Lori Dunham

9/21/2018 12:29:38 pm

I would really listen to the parent first. I would also let the parent know that teasing is not tolerated here. I would let the parent know that dress up encourages children to imagine what it is like to see things from different points of view

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Discussion: Scenario 2 Conversations * Module 1 Page 20 (11)

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