1.1 Explain the importance of modelling behaviour for children and parents

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Explain the importance of modelling behaviour for children and parents.

Modelling behaviour means showing by example how you expect children and parents to act. It is more than telling them what is right or wrong. It is about demonstrating behaviour yourself. Children learn best through observing trusted adults. Parents also notice and may copy how staff interact, communicate, and respond in everyday situations.

When workers model behaviour, they provide a living example that others can follow. Actions are clear, visible, and easy to recognise. This approach supports learning without the need for constant instruction.

Why Modelling Behaviour is Important for Children

Children learn social skills by watching others. From a young age, they notice facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and actions. If staff want children to:

• Share with others
• Use polite language
• Wait their turn

They need to do these things themselves in daily routines.

When a worker consistently models positive behaviour, children begin to copy it. This repetition helps them understand social expectations and integrate them into their own actions.

A child who sees adults being calm in stressful moments may learn to control their own frustration. A child who sees adults listen respectfully may start listening in return.

Modelling Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation means managing feelings so they do not overwhelm thoughts or actions. Young children do not have strong self-control yet. They rely on trusted adults to show them how to respond when they feel upset, excited, or anxious.

By modelling emotional regulation in front of children, staff can teach valuable coping skills. Examples include:

• Taking a deep breath before resolving a disagreement
• Speaking in a calm tone of voice during conflict
• Acknowledging feelings verbally rather than reacting in anger

When children see these actions, they learn that emotions can be expressed safely. They then practise these strategies themselves over time.

Why Modelling Behaviour Matters for Parents

Parents watch how staff interact with children and with them. By modelling behaviour, workers guide parents without direct criticism or instruction. This is especially valuable for families needing support with parenting skills.

Parents may be more willing to try new behaviour if they can see it in action. For example, when a member of staff praises a child for putting away toys, the parent might notice how to use encouragement themselves.

Modelling also shows parents how to set boundaries, give instructions, or respond to behaviour calmly. This can help them feel more confident and capable in their own parenting role.

Building Trust Through Modelling

Trust is built when actions match words. If staff say they value respect but act without it, trust is broken. Modelling respectful and caring behaviour shows children and parents that values are real, not just spoken.

This trust supports better relationships. Children feel safe approaching adults who act in a way they understand and can predict. Parents are more likely to seek advice from staff they trust.

Practical Examples of Modelling Behaviour

There are many day-to-day opportunities to model behaviour for children and parents.

Examples include:

• Greeting each child warmly at arrival
• Keeping promises and commitments
• Following rules and procedures yourself
• Taking turns during group activities
• Expressing appreciation to others
• Keeping calm during unexpected events

When staff behave consistently, children and parents see clear patterns they can follow.

Communication as a Form of Modelling

Communication is more than the words you speak. It includes tone, eye contact, listening skills, and clarity.

If staff want children to speak respectfully to others, they should use polite language themselves, even when correcting behaviour. If staff want parents to encourage children, they should demonstrate encouragement through sincere praise and constructive feedback.

Active listening is another behaviour worth modelling. This means showing attention, asking open questions, and responding thoughtfully. Children and parents notice when they are listened to and may replicate this skill in their own relationships.

Consistency in Modelling Behaviour

Consistency means acting in the same way in similar situations. If behaviour standards vary, children and parents can become confused. Mixed signals make learning harder.

Consistent modelling helps children form habits. For example, if staff always wash hands before eating, children learn that this is part of the routine. When parents see the same behaviour during pick-up times, they may adopt it at home.

Inconsistent behaviour can damage credibility. Children may copy less desirable conduct if staff act one way with them and differently with other adults.

Impact on a Child’s Learning and Development

Modelling behaviour plays a direct role in cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Children benefit because observation is a strong form of learning. They often mimic what they see before fully understanding it.

Positive impacts include:

• Better social interaction skills
• Stronger language abilities
• Improved self-control
• Enhanced empathy for others

Negative modelling can result in poor habits, aggression, or lack of respect. This is why workers must reflect on their own behaviour and make positive choices consistently.

Supporting Behaviour Management

Modelling is part of managing behaviour in groups. By showing the right way to act, staff reduce the need for constant verbal reminders.

For example:

• Tidying up alongside children shows them it is a shared task
• Walking calmly in corridors shows expected movement
• Saying “please” and “thank you” teaches manners

This approach is more effective than lecturing. Actions give meaning to the rules and make them easier for children to understand.

Helping Parents Learn Positive Strategies

Some parents may have limited experience with positive parenting methods. Modelling gives them ideas they can use without feeling judged.

Parents often benefit from seeing staff handle challenging behaviour in a supportive way. For example, when a child refuses to participate, staff may sit with them quietly until they are ready, rather than forcing immediate compliance. This patient approach can inspire parents to try similar strategies instead of reacting harshly.

Modelling also shows parents how to praise specific effort. Instead of saying “good job,” staff may say “I like how you put all the pencils back in their box.” This specific praise helps children know exactly what was appreciated, and parents may copy this more effective method at home.

Encouraging a Positive Environment

A positive environment is one where people feel respected, valued, and safe. Modelling behaviour sets the tone for this environment. Children and parents quickly notice how staff communicate, resolve problems, and treat each other.

Modelling kindness, patience, and cooperation fosters a welcoming atmosphere. This encourages both children and parents to engage more openly with the setting.

The environment becomes a learning space not only for children but for adults too.

Recognising the Influence of Non-verbal Behaviour

Sometimes the way staff act is more influential than what they say. Non-verbal behaviour includes:

• Body language
• Gestures
• Posture
• Facial expressions

Children and parents watch these cues closely. Staff who smile, make eye contact, and keep an open posture are showing warmth and approachability. Modelling positive non-verbal behaviour strengthens communication and relationships.

Negative non-verbal signals, such as crossed arms, rolling eyes, or avoiding contact, can send the wrong message.

Reflecting on Personal Behaviour

Self-reflection helps staff understand how their own behaviour affects others. Workers can ask themselves:

• Do I act consistently with the values I promote?
• How do I react under stress?
• What behaviour do I want children and parents to copy?

Reviewing behaviour regularly ensures modelling is positive. This reflection can be part of supervision meetings or informal self-assessment.

Cultural Sensitivity in Modelling Behaviour

Children and parents may come from varied cultural backgrounds. What is seen as polite or respectful in one culture may differ in another.

Modelling behaviour with cultural sensitivity means being aware of these differences and choosing actions that are respectful across cultures. For instance, greeting methods and eye contact expectations can vary. Staff should aim for inclusive behaviour that makes everyone feel respected and valued.

Challenges in Modelling Behaviour

There can be challenges to consistent modelling. Stress, fatigue, and high workload may affect actions. Differences in personal values among staff can create mixed signals for children and parents.

Workers need to maintain professionalism at all times. Strategies such as peer support, training, and clear policies help staff maintain positive modelling even during difficult periods.

Strategies to Strengthen Modelling

To strengthen modelling, staff can:

• Practise desired behaviour in daily routines
• Role-play situations during team meetings to align approaches
• Observe colleagues and learn from positive examples
• Get feedback from managers or mentors on behaviour style

These strategies help make modelling purposeful rather than accidental.

Linking Modelling to Positive Outcomes

When modelling is consistent and positive, it supports:

• Better relationships between staff, children, and parents
• Improved confidence in children to try new skills
• Parents feeling encouraged to adopt positive parenting methods
• A calmer and more respectful environment

Positive results reinforce the value of modelling and encourage everyone in the setting to maintain it.

Final Thoughts

Modelling behaviour is powerful. It is a living example of the standards we expect from children and parents. Words alone cannot teach social skills, empathy, and respect. These are learned through seeing them in action and copying.

When staff model behaviour daily, they build stronger relationships, promote emotional regulation, and encourage positive habits. This benefits children by supporting their social and emotional development. It benefits parents by giving them practical ideas for interacting with their own children.

Every moment in a childcare setting is an opportunity to show the behaviour we want to see. By acting with kindness, patience, and respect, workers create a positive pattern for others to follow. Consistent modelling shapes the culture of the setting and leaves a lasting impact on both children and parents.