When I first started working as a preschool teacher at my current job.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  In the interview I got such a great feeling from the director of the school that I just got sold on the idea and thought, "This sounds like a happy place to work."   During my training my coworkers told me that we should try to not use the word, "No."  Ummm.  What? 

I thought it was kind of silly and ridiculous to never say "No."  I figured that I would find a bunch of spoiled and out of control kids in the class.  I had watched Nanny 911 enough to know that you gotta be powerful and strong with children.  Kids who are just a little bit afraid of you are good kids. 

I found out that I had a lot to learn.  Its not so much about control and punishment, but rather thinking in a positive way versus looking for what's wrong all the time.  In my school, rather than say "Don't pick your nose."  I say, "What do you plan to do with that booger after you pull it out of your nose?"..."Yeah maybe you should get a tissue."  Its just a different way of thinking.  The kids have a lot of responsibility to think for themselves and do what is right. 

I worry that too many adults treat kids like they are "wrong" and scold them and take away their pride and confidence.  There is really no need to shame a child when they make a mistake or do something that is not good for them and others.  It takes more effort, but if you just talk to them and try to explain the "whys" of what we do as people, it is so much better. 

But you know, it is not easy to break old habits.  I still often hear myself saying "No" to kids when they startle me and do something totally unexpected. When that happens I try to add a "please" to then end of the sentence.  For example, "Don't eat that Lego!...please."  Then afterwards we talk about how if we eat all of the legos then there won't be any left to play with.  Oh, and it will probably hurt to poop them.  Kids can relate to these ideas. 

It has really made a big difference in my life to try and think in a positive way.  Rather than get all pissed when someone bumps into me as they speed past me on the street, I just figure that maybe they are in a hurry to get somewhere.  I know it sounds silly and basic, but before I would really get annoyed by these little things.  I could make lists of all of the things that "people" do that pisses me off.  But why did I feel this way?  Its such a waste of energy. 

So I am still working on thinking in a more positive way.  It really is a lot of work but its worth it.