How To Help Your Child Change Their Behavior: Responding to Behavior (Part 2)

A 3 Part Series in Behavior Modification

Welcome back to part two of this behavior modification blog series! Previously we came to understand some common triggers to misbehavior. Today brings practical tips for responding to children’s behavior in the heat of the moment.

Time to stop feeling ill-equipped and helpless against you child.

Define That Behavior

First things first, the more specific you are with defining exactly what behavior you want extinguished. This is harder than you think. Often, parents come at behavior modification broadly with descriptions of “I just want my child to behave” or “be good”. In reality, what they want is for their child to flush the toilet after going potty, speak kindly to their siblings, or start their homework on time. Get as specific as you can.

In defining the behaviors, imagine both the non-desirable and desirable picture of your child behaving. While imaging, start listing specific behaviors. That list will become what we will call target behaviors. If you can think back far enough, start applying those skills gained from science courses and make target behaviors specific, observable and measurable. This helps both you and your child know the expectations and how they are doing.

Responding to Behaviors

As you read through the coming list of helpful and not-so-helpful ways to respond, picture how you have felt when experiencing similar circumstances on this list. Being called out negatively in front of a crowd NEVER feels good. Same goes for your child. Implement these tactics to ensure your responding in a way that is not only effective, but also sensitive.

Dos

• Notice what is going on around you. Situational circumstances impact behavior because of triggers.
• Make expectations clear. Clarity is a gift to a child who deep down wants to please parents.
• Give choices, even if small, to increase feeling empowered and in control. It can be as simple as “Do you want to start with math or science homework?”
• Tweak the surrounding area to make behaving easier. If you are limiting sweets before dinner, remove them from sight. Or remove distractions that are inhibiting focus.
• Help your child transition. The concept of time and managing it does not develop until older childhood. Usually a 10 minute reminder prior to transition, and then another one between 2-5 minutes, is enough to help a child transition.

Don’ts (With practice of course…)

• Calling out behaviors from a distance and in front of people if possible. Get down face-to-face to increase the likelihood that your child will hear you and remember.
• Assume you expectations should be known. This is where getting specific from earlier helps! Use those breakdowns to paint a picture of what it looks like to succeed in various circumstances, as well as what you don’t want them to do. Help them understand how different circumstances require different behaviors.
• Transitions without reminders and warnings. This helps your child develop their concept of time and pick a good stopping place in activities that will help them feel like you aren’t pulling them away from somethings that isn’t finished.
• Lengthy questioning and instructions. The verbal and organizing part of the brain doesn’t develop till later in life. Help you child by writing a list instead. Focus in on the one to two questions that you really need to know.

Chances are you’ve been facing misbehaviors for some time now and their appearance during your day triggers your frustration. Engaging a misbehaving child isn’t easy. Use these tools and feel equipped to respond in a nurturing and sensitive way. Both you and your child will feel better than the current cycle of frustration.

Alexandra Hoerr, MA, LCPC