For most children, their days are divided between a number of environments. They spend time at home, in a child care setting and at school. Learning to succeed socially and emotionally in all of these places can be difficult.

The following tips can help you provide your child with structure and consistent expectations wherever they go:

• Make sure you know the rules your child is expected to follow outside your home. Communicate your expectations to caregivers.

• Keep lines of communication open with the people who care for your child. Talk with them on a regular basis, daily if possible.

• Talk with your child about how you expect him or her to behave. Explain rules in simple language and back up your rules by explaining why they are important.

• Anticipate the need for repetition and avoid “breaking the rules” if at all possible. Establishing and enforcing rules require consistent repetition.

• Expect your child to test the rules. Transition between environments offers the perfect opportunity for children to explore boundaries. Parents and caregivers need to be unified in their approach to handling these situations.

• If rules are different in different places, explain why.

• Model behaviors you want your child to have. Let your actions speak for you.