My after schoolers especially are constantly taddle taling (sp?). I have 3-4 seven-year-old boys that don't always get along and so they pick on each other and are always telling me the bad things the other boys are doing. Anyone else have this problem? Any solutions?

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I usually do one of two things...start up centers and separate them, or tell them if there's no blood or broken bones then I don't want to hear it, to worry about themselves and what THEY are doing.

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Sometimes kds tattle tale because they are proud of themselves for knowing the rules. Don't reinforce it but you can say"I am glad you are playing so nicely with____ and you can just keep worrying about yourself and let me watch the other kids".

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Got me there! I have a 4 year old dcg who constantly tattles.

I would love some suggestions as well.

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We have a stuffed frog that we call the "tattle frog". I only need to know if someone is hurting someone or something, or doing something dangerous. I'll stop a child coming to tattle and say, "That sounds like a tattle. If you REALLY need to tattle, tell the tattle frog. He listens to tattles....I do not." Sometimes they'll go tell him, sometimes not.

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Hmmm, I've never done this but just thought of it.

Have a box labeled 'concerns'. Next to the box a tablet and pencil. They are 7 so should be able to write at least somewhat. If not they can make pictures. Spelling doesn't count either. When they come to you, tell them if no one is in danger of getting hurt then please write your concern on a slip of paper and put it into the box. Be sure to add the details like who they are reporting and their name and the offense. Tell them you'll read it later IF you have time.They should get tired of doing that all afternoon!

I know of one provider who put a picture of a big ear on the wall and told them to go tell it to the ear if it was not an emergency. Another said instead of the ear that they put a picture of the President on the wall. At the time, it was George Bush. She said "Go tell the President."

Laurel

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Haha, you beat me to my answer.

Laurel

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I just say, "Johnny needs to worry about Johnny." or "Use your words and tell your friend..." to which they'll say, "Please don't do that!" or will state the rule that is being broken.

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Lol, but I love the president idea!

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