Imitate

Using imitation for better communication Recognize what you want to see: Calmly telling parents when they need help. Use the skill: Imagine your child is getting upset and moves closer to you. This is a way of asking for help. Imitate by moving closer to them, rubbing their back, or leaning in for a hug. […]

Imitate

Using imitation for having more fun together Recognize what you want to see: Actively playing together Use the skill: Imitate your child whenever you play. For example, “That looks fun! I’m going to try and make one like you.” Purpose: Your child is a play expert. Imitate them to have a fun playtime together. It […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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: If your child points to something in the book, you can also point. If your child sits in your lap, you can […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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: If your child waits their turn to talk, imitate by waiting your turn to talk once they […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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: When playing with your child, imitate any nice behaviors they do. Purpose: Imitation shows you notice your child’s good behaviors. This makes your child […]

Imitate

Using imitation for carelessness Recognize the behavior: Drops your phone. Identify what you want to see: Carefully holding your phone. Use the Skill: Imagine you are taking turns with the phone or you have another device. You might say “I’m holding my phone carefully just like you.” Purpose: Imitation shows you notice your child’s good […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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:                           Quietly imitate any calming strategies your child uses. Don’t imitate a tantrum. Purpose: Imitation shows you […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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: Imagine you see your children playing nicely together. Take a few moments to join them and imitate how […]

Imitate

Using imitation 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: Let your child come up with a goodbye routine. For example, a fist bump or hug. You can do the routine […]

Imitate

Using imitations for Mealtime troubles Recognize the behavior: Gets out of chair repeatedly. Identify what you want to see: Staying in the chair. Use the Skill: Stay seated at the table with your child. Say “we’re all sitting together at the table.” Purpose: Imitation shows you notice your child’s good behaviors. This makes your child […]