Teacher Tip: Negative Children

A negative child often seeks love and craves attention. A negative attitude, though, can disrupt your classroom, hinder learning and put an uncomfortable cloud over your entire class. Minimize classroom negativity and create a positive atmosphere with these practical helps.

Love – Show the child God’s love through every word and action. Don’t exclude a child because of her negative attitude. Set firm boundaries and let her know you expect positive behavior. Praise her for her efforts to overcome her negative attitude. Pray with her to show her you and God love her very much.

Eliminate – Don’t allow negativity to breed negativity. Immediately stop any negative comments and put-downs before things escalate. Eliminate “downtime” by keeping the negative child busy. Have him help you before, during and after class. Praise him for his efforts, such as sharpening pencils, completing the lesson project or listening carefully.

Listen – Correct the child away from the other children. Give her your undivided attention. Let her know you understand, care and want to help. Most of all, let her know God loves her unconditionally. 

Previous articleSufjan Stevens, "Auld Lang Syne"
Next articleJimmy Needham: "Clear the Stage"
ChildrensMinistry.com is brought to you by Group Publishing, Inc. As a decades-long provider of church resources, Group is passionate about one thing—helping kids and adults develop lifelong relationships with Jesus. ChildrensMinistry.com exists to equip children’s leaders with helpful tips, tools, and free resources to be effective in creating experiences that engage the senses, trigger emotions, and create lightbulb moments for kids and their families. ChildrensMinistry.com invites you to visit and discover more for your ministry, and to sign up for their free e-newsletter.