Taking Table and Chairs Out

[Cozy_Kids_Childcare]

So I got a small black coffee table an put a few kid size chairs around it. However, the kids climb on it and turn the chairs upside down as slides every chance they get. I redirect constantly but they still do it. I've thought about taking the table and chairs out putting in a small plastic picnic table.


Ideas? Thoughts?

[Baby Beluga]

I have never used a picnic table, but I have seen others who have. What deterred me from getting one was I could not find one that had a smooth top. They all had bumps or lines. I figured that would make art difficult and possibly lead to cups spilling during meal time.

[Blackcat31]

So I got a small black coffee table an put a few kid size chairs around it. However, the kids climb on it and turn the chairs upside down as slides every chance they get. I redirect constantly but they still do it. I've thought about taking the table and chairs out putting in a small plastic picnic table.


Ideas? Thoughts?

What would stop them from climbing on the picnic table then?

I know you said you redirect but I think that shouldn't be your only recourse. I think you need to continue to redirect AND have a consequence for not listening/following that rule.

I know the constant redirect is time consuming but I think changing the environment (removing the table/chairs) is the "easy out" verses teaching them instead to not climb at all.

I am NOT saying you aren't teaching that, I am just saying you might need to be more stern or forceful about it so they KNOW that climbing on the table/chairs is not acceptable.

Simply being redirected isn't enough of a detourant for them to not repeat the behavior and that is what I think you need instead........a consequence stern/firm enough that they don't somehow think they can repeat the unwanted behavior.

[Thriftylady]

I agree with BC to a point. Another table might bring the same issues, and why spend money if you can help it. I would try consequences first. Perhaps with the chairs, if you misuse them, then you don't get to use a chair that day (I am doing that with my two SA kiddos). For the table it depends what you are using it for. My kids LOVE art so if I said "you can't climb on the table or you won't get to do art (or any activity at the table they love) today. Sometimes just knowing the consequences will help.

[mommiebookworm]

I actually have two child sized tables and chairs. And the new set of sibling boys, WILL NOT stop climbing on it and pushing the chairs over. I think they are allowed to climb on stuff at home. I finally gave up and put both sets in storage.

[childcaremom]

So I got a small black coffee table an put a few kid size chairs around it. However, the kids climb on it and turn the chairs upside down as slides every chance they get. I redirect constantly but they still do it. I've thought about taking the table and chairs out putting in a small plastic picnic table.


Ideas? Thoughts?

How old are the kids?

I have a set of young ones and a set of olders. The older ones (2+) would do it once and lose the privelege of using the table and/or chairs for the rest of the period, probably day. Try again the next day.

My younger ones (12-18 months) I redirect. If it was a significant amount of redirecting and taking too much of my time, then I would remove and try again in a month.

I had a picnic table and felt it was more of a pain. It seemed to encourage more climbing and the younger ones were more apt to fall off of it. I ditched that within a week of buying it.

[Laurel]

So I got a small black coffee table an put a few kid size chairs around it. However, the kids climb on it and turn the chairs upside down as slides every chance they get. I redirect constantly but they still do it. I've thought about taking the table and chairs out putting in a small plastic picnic table.


Ideas? Thoughts?

It depends on if they are eating or doing art on it or both. For eating, I used high chairs until a child no longer fit in them and then to the dining room table. We did art inside the same way. Either in high chair or dining table.

Outside I had a small plastic picnic table. They also tried to climb on that so then I just removed it from that area and we only used it for eating snacks outside or art and I was sitting right by them during that time. No one really tried to climb while doing art or eating because the table was full of stuff and I was sitting there.

They climbed on my sofa also so I removed it. In the daycare room I had one leather recliner that had a wide seat so could hold me and one child side by side. My provider friend did this with a loveseat. I also put a small plastic climber inside that room so they could climb to their heart's desire.

Yes, I could have been on them constantly but that made MY day miserable. I'd prefer to adjust the environment until they are 3 years old or so and then use consequences.

Also in a preschool I worked in they did have some tables and chairs but only room for 2 at a time. They also made some tables that were so low that the children sat on the floor and didn't use a chair at all. These were tables for 1 child at a time.

When they are older I see no problem with taking away their chair if they misuse it. They can stand and eat or do art. No problem. Try again tomorrow. If I am constantly redirecting multiple children it seems like that is all I do and we can't do projects in peace. Plus when one starts then they copy. I always preferred to change the environment like I said above until 3 years old or so.

Laurel

[nannyde]

I don't allow access to table and chairs. I do floor based play. The tables are by invite only.

[Annalee]

I have the art materials, manipulatives, play dough, etc near my tables. My kids call these table toys and they must stay at the table. Each center has its own materials and they stay there. I have another table in the reading/puzzle/quiet play area along with soft couches. Kids may sit their as well. Sometimes younger kids will attempt to climb on the table but they learn quickly by role modeling of the older kids what is appropriate. I have trouble sometimes where older kids will want to lean back in their chairs to which after standing a couple times, that ends as well.