Here are some ways to talk with young children about how they feel when something gets broken...and what things they can help to repair.

Materials: None

Directions:

Can you think of a time when you accidentally spilled or broke something? Tell the children what happened and how you felt about it.

There are lots of times during the day when children make a mess by spilling something or putting paint or crayon marks somewhere they shouldn't. Often they are accidents. Talk with the children about what they could do if someone:

• Spills a glass of milk;
• Marks on the wall with crayon;
• Knocks over a block building;
• Spills paint on the floor.

You can point out that often the mess can be cleaned up, and show them where sponges or small rags are kept. Encourage children to clean up things they spill -- not as a punishment but as a way to put things in order again.

Talk to the children about a time when someone broke something or hurt their feelings. What happened? How did they feel? What helped them feel better? You might talk about things that people could say that may help us feel better. Ask the children to tell you about a time when someone said, "I'm sorry" to them. Did it make them feel any better? Can they think of a time when they told someone they were sorry? Ask them to think of other ways they can show they're sorry (making a picture for someone or asking them to play).

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