The process begins earlier than kindergarten. I work at a daycare in the 18-24 month classroom. "Keep your feet on the floor", "We do not throw toys", "We do not put toys in our mouths", "Ew-Yucky, we don't play in the trash," and "Don't lick the (object, often mirror)" are all common things I say to the kids. Oh, and "Don't bite my friends. We do not use our teeth for biting."
By kindergarten I am confident that the kids who go to the daycare I work at will know better than to bite other children, put toys in their mouth, or play in the trash.
Children spend their entire childhood being endocrined into whatever culture they belong to. They learn what is and isn't okay by both correction and example. This is why it is so important not to teach children toxic or self destructive behaviors. And also, why those things are taught to children anyway. No one sets out to teach their kid "You shouldn't say no to physical advances" but that's exactly what requiring hugs teaches.
By kindergarten I am confident that the kids who go to the daycare I work at will know better than to bite other children, put toys in their mouth, or play in the trash.
Children spend their entire childhood being endocrined into whatever culture they belong to. They learn what is and isn't okay by both correction and example. This is why it is so important not to teach children toxic or self destructive behaviors. And also, why those things are taught to children anyway. No one sets out to teach their kid "You shouldn't say no to physical advances" but that's exactly what requiring hugs teaches.