Redirect

Using redirect 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: Focus on something your child likes or model calming. Ignore any screaming until your child joins you. Purpose: Redirect helps your child focus on what you want them […]

Adjust the Environment

Using adjust the environment 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: Are they sensitive to noise? Try noise cancelling headphones in loud places.  Purpose: Adjust the environment to prevent a tantrum and help your child stay calm. […]

Transitions

Using transitions for screaming Recognize the behavior: Throws a loud tantrum. Identify what you want to see: Using strategies to calm down when upset. Use the Skill: Try transitions before a difficult activity. For example, “In five minutes it’s bedtime.” “After this page, it’s time for dinner.” Purpose: Transitions help children move from one activity […]

Recovery

Using recovery 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: After the consequence, use your own calming skills. Then spend some time in calm or fun play until your child can talk about what […]

Hand-Over-Hand

Using hand-over-hand 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: This is not helpful in the moment if your child provokes another child. But, you might place your child’s hand in yours to teach […]

Effective Commands

Using effective commands 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: If your child starts to get upset, you might use a command like, “Please take a break to calm down.” or “Please keep […]

Consistent Consequences

Using consistent consequences 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: Possible praise: “You played so nicely with the other kids today!”  Possible negative consequence: leaving the playground, sitting on the bench with you […]

Redoing

Using a redo 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: You might say, “I know you’re angry, but it is not okay to throw balls at other kids. Try again nicely giving the […]

Modeling

Using modeling 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: Throughout the day and during play, model nice words, sharing, and taking turns.   Purpose: Modeling shows your child how to make good choices. You […]

Rules

Using rules 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: Try a rule like, “The rule is to be kind and gentle with other people. If you follow the rule, you can keep playing. […]