Coping and Competence

Table of Contents

1. Learning to cope, becoming competent
   1. Self-regulation
   2. The integrated brain
2. Research related to coping and competence
   1. Crying
   2. Temperament and nurturance
   3. Fear and stress
   4. Aggression
3. Practices that support the coping and competence in young children
   1. Attachment supports coping and competence
   2. Autonomy
   3. Getting along with others
   4. Physical play is important
   5. Caring relationships are essential
4. References

3.4. Physical play is important

One of the challenges for young children in becoming socialized is learning to regulate physical aggression.

Richard Tremblay discusses individual and gender differences in aggressive behaviour.

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In early childhood settings, behaviour management can be very challenging. Trained, experienced staff know that an interesting busy program, an engaging well-planned environment and sensitive nurturing are key to keeping children happy and constructively occupied. Still, as Tremblay says, a certain amount of physical aggression is normal among young children. Many programs and individuals who work with children have a low tolerance for rough-and-tumble play or play-fighting that is popular, especially among preschool boys. Tremblay has a different take on this, one that is supported by research.

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Read >> Learning Self-Control: Play-fighting with Dad Not available in this preview

Interestingly, research has found similar trends in play among monkeys. Stephen Suomi explains some gender differences in play patterns that are common to both humans and monkeys.

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The following case study is an example of how some high activity play challenged Early Childhood Educator’s and how they coped.

Read >> Playing 'Fire' not available in this preview