Three-year-old Toni has put on fuzzy dress-up sweater and is stomping around with her arms extended, growling.

Question

which one of the following choices is the best way to respond?

a. "toni, please use your inside voice"

b. "toni, can you pretend to be a nice mommy now?"

c. "there's something big and growly in this room!"

d. "would you like to do a puzzle with me, toni?"

Answer 1

I would use A

I hoped I helped

Answer 2

I would use c....it's good to encourage pretend play like that.  I would only say a. if he was being extremely loud or running in the room.  Otherwise there's no problem!

Answer 3

If Toni's behavior is a problem in any way (she is doing this at a church service or Dad is studying for an exam), "d" could work quite nicely to distract her.  If not, it doesn't sound like she is doing anything wrong, and "c" would be an appropriate way of playing along.

Answer 4

c

Answer 5

a becuz you have to show him how to listen

Answer 6

If he's stomping around with her arms extended, is she disrupting other children?  If so, that part needs to be addressed and "a" would be an OK answer.

"D" would be a good way to redirect the child.  She has put this on and is stomping around and growling, possibly because of a lack of focus.  Helping them get refocused is key at this age.

"C" is interesting.  Good to observe children's behaviors, but how is it going to help her in the struggle of fantasy vs. reality that she is going through?  Also, how will it help if she is disrupting others with this play (as it appears she is by the way the question is phrased)

"b" and "c" are clearly the worse answers, in my opinion.  "a" and "d" are the best.  You choose from that.

Answer 7

c  All the others imply that Toni is doing something wrong when she's not.  You don't want to give her the idea that creative play is bad behavior.

Answer 8

c, unless toni is like doing something wrong id choose a

Answer 9

Don't use a, because "inside voice" implies that it's wrong to yell or speak loudly in the house. If there were a fire or emergency, is it wrong to yell just because Toni's in the house? In certain circumstances, a loud voice in the house is okay. You should absolutely allow (and encourage) creative behaviour. If it's a situation where they need to quiet down they need to learn how to listen - but I think any caretaker or parent should expect some noise. If they're not pitching a fit, let them play! C. will let them know that you will interact with, and encourage their creative play. TV is quieter, but is that what you really want?