Enjoy

Using enjoy for stalling, delaying Recognize the behavior: Takes too long  to get dressed. Identify what you want to see: Picking out clothes quickly. Use the Skill: Show enjoyment after they finish the task. For example, “I like that we have more time to play after you get dressed quickly!” Purpose: Most things are better […]

Describe

Using descriptions for reducing parent stress and frustration Recognize what you want to SEE: Staying calm and feeling confident as a parent. Use the skill: Describe your behaviors too! For example, “I’m placing my piece here. And you placed your piece there.” Purpose:Descriptions are a mindfulness activity for you too. Describing behaviors in the moment […]

Describe

Using descriptions for having a better attitude Recognize what you want to SEE: Being respectful and kind, doing something with a good attitude Use the skill: Describe your child’s positive behaviors. For example, “Wow! You made your breakfast already!” Purpose:Describing your child’s positive behaviors helps them feel good about themself. It shows you notice what […]

Describe

Using descriptions for reducing anxiety and feeling safe Recognize what you want to SEE: Feeling safe, calmly talking about feelings, acting brave. Use the skill: Practice descriptions whenever you can. For example, “You are looking at the colors. You chose pink. And now you’re starting your drawing.” Purpose:Descriptions are a fun way to practice mindfulness. […]

Describe

Using descriptions frustration tolerance Recognize what you want to SEE: Sticking with it, staying calm, coming up with new ideas, trying again. Use the skill: Describe what your child is doing as they work on something hard. For example, “You got the blue piece. You’re deciding which way it faces. You’re putting it on. And […]

Describe

Using descriptions for better communication Recognize what you want to SEE: Calmly telling parents when they need help. Use the skill: Describe your child’s behaviors to teach words. For example, “You have the purple star.” “You picked up the velociraptor.” “You’re trying to fit those pieces together.”  Purpose: Descriptions are a great way to teach […]

Describe

Using descriptions for having more fun together Recognize what you want to SEE: Actively playing together Use the skill: Describe what your child does when you play together. For example, “You made such a big house.” “You’re really concentrating.” “You chose green.” Purpose: Descriptions keep your child engaged in playing with you. They show you […]

Describe

Using descriptions for overactivity Recognize the behavior: Constantly looking at other things when you are trying to read a story. Identify what you want to see: Focusing on the book. Use the Skill: Describe what your child is looking at in the book to keep their focus on it. For example, “You’re pointing at the […]

Describe

Using descriptions for interrupting Recognize the behavior: Repeatedly calls your name and pulls on your arm while you are talking to an adult. Identify what you want to see: Staying quiet while you finish talking. Use the Skill: Descriptions won’t be helpful while you are talking. After you are done you can describe your child’s […]

Describe

Using descriptions for picking fights Recognize the behavior: Throws a ball at a child on the playground. Identify what you want to see: Playing nicely with other kids. Use the Skill: During your playtime, describe any nice, helping, or sharing behaviors. For example, “You’re letting me have my turn.” Purpose: You can’t describe your child’s […]