Describe

Using descriptions for Carelessness Recognize the behavior: Drops your phone. Identify what you want to see: Carefully holding your phone. Use the Skill: Describe your child’s positive behaviors. For example, “You’ve got the phone with both hands.” “You’re holding it tightly.” Purpose: Descriptions help a child focus on the current activity and can help them […]

Describe

Using descriptions for screaming Recognize the behavior: Throwing a loud tantrum. Identify what you want to see: Using strategies to calm down when upset. Use the Skill: Describe your child’s behaviors before they get upset. For example, “You are working to fit those pieces together.” Purpose: Descriptions help a child focus on the current activity […]

Describe

Using descriptions for aggression Recognize the behavior: Hits or bites a sibling who took their toy. Identify what you want to see: Staying calm and asking for help when the sibling takes the toy. Use the Skill: When your child is playing calmly, describe their calm or gentle play. For example, “You got your magnets […]

Describe

Using descriptions for defiance Recognize the behavior: Refuses to leave a friend’s house when it’s time to go home. Identify what you want to see:  Saying goodbye and leaving the house Use the Skill: Describe actions that help with leaving. For example, “You got your shoes.” “You picked up all your toys.” Purpose: Descriptions help […]

Describe

Using descriptions for Mealtime Troubles Recognize the behavior: Gets out of chair repeatedly. Identify what you want to see: Staying in the chair. Use the Skill: Describe what your child is doing. This will keep them focused on being at the table. For example, “You’re using your spoon to eat your soup.” Purpose: Descriptions help […]

Describe

Using descriptions 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: Describe as your child gets dressed. For example, “You are getting your shirt on very quickly!” or “You got one arm in, and now the other.” Purpose: Descriptions help […]

Imitate

Using imitation for reducing parent stress and frustration Recognize what you want to see: Staying calm and feeling confident as a parent. Use the skill: Try to find a few minutes every day to let your child lead playtime. Just do what they do. Let go of the need to teach, correct, or lead. Purpose: […]

Imitate

Using imitation for having a better attitude Recognize what you want to see: Being respectful and kind, doing something with a good attitude Use the skill: Imagine your child is not happy about a situation, but is trying to have a good attitude. Imitate their good attitude. Follow along with any good ideas they have […]

Imitate

Using imitation for reducing anxiety and feeling safe Recognize what you want to see: Feeling safe, calmly talking about feelings, acting brave. Use the skill: Imitate whenever your child faces a fear. For example, your child might be afraid of dogs but says they want to pet a cute dog at the park. Imitate by […]

Imitate

Using imitation for frustration tolerance Recognize what you want to see: Sticking with it, staying calm, coming up with new ideas, trying again. Use the skill: Imagine your child is struggling to make something and comes up with a new idea. You could imitate by saying, “I’m going to try that too.” Then follow along. […]