Welcome to our lesson on when-then & if-then statements
- In this section, you will learn
- What when-then & if-then statements are
- Why when-then & if-then statements are important
- How to use when-then & if-then statements to improve behaviors
When-then & if-then statements overview
What are when-then & If-then Statements?
- Prompts for children about what you expect from them and what will happen when they listen or if they don't listen.
- When-Then
- The word “when” means that you expect your child to do the behavior.
- They work best when you describe a positive behavior. It is like telling your child you know they are going to make a good choice.
- If-Then
- The word “if” means that you're not sure whether you child will do the behavior.
- They work best when you describe the negative consequence for continuing to do something you do not want your child to do.
- They also work when the behavior is truly optional.
What do when-then & if-then statements sound like?
- When you put the toys in the box, then we can get the next game.
- When you speak to me kindly, then I will answer you.
- When we take deep breaths, it is easier to focus.
- If you want help, just let me know.
- If you hit your sibling again, then you will have to play in your room.
- If you want to come with me, then I’m happy to have you.
when-then & if-then statements live in action!
Why are when-then & if-then statements important?
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Children need to learn that their behaviors have consequences and impact other people. When-then and if-then statements teach these consequences without punishment or anger.
Show your child that their good behaviors lead to good outcomes. For example, “When you help me, I feel so happy!”
Teach your child that they can also change their behaviors to get a better outcome. For example, “When you speak to me with respect, then I will answer you.” In this case, make sure to use strategic attention until your child chooses to change their behavior.
When-then & if-then statements can also work with transitions to let children know what’s coming next.
For example, “When you finish cleaning up, then we can go outside.”
“If you finish getting ready quickly, then you can watch a show before we leave for school.”
when and how should I use when-then & if-then statements?
Learn how when-then & if-then statements can be used by selecting a specific difficult behavior below.
More: Learn how when-then & if-then statements can be used by selecting a specific positive behavior/goal below.
Pay attention to your words
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When-then & if-then statements can become bribes when they give too much control to the child or the rewards are too big.
When-then statements teach children the positive outcomes of making a good choice. For example, “When you clean up, we can play a game.”
Remember that “if” means you don’t know whether the child will choose the correct behavior. Using if-then statements when you need your child to do something can give them too much control and sound like a bribe. For example, “If you clean up, we can play a game.”
Consequences should make sense for the behavior, and they never have to cost money. If the positive consequence is much bigger than the behavior, it can sound like a bribe. For example, “If you clean up, I’ll buy you a new toy.”
These words don’t tell children what to do and can be confusing. For example, “if you don’t stop yelling, I can’t help you.”
Try to focus on the behaviors that you want to see and the positive outcome of doing them. For example, “when you speak calmly, then I can help you.”
If your child is doing something harmful, focus on the negative consequence of continuing that behavior. For example, “if you keep yelling, I will need to walk away.”
caregiver Voices
Other caregivers share how they use when-then & if-then statements at home:
How would you use when-then or if-then statements?
Question #1
Your child often screams and demands what they want. They just started screaming, “I want to see a movie tomorrow!” What could you say?
Question #2
Your child is often aggressive and destructive with toys and people. How could you teach your child to be more careful?
Question #3
You see your child push their sibling. What could you say?
Ideas for fun when-then & if-then statement activities
Select Below
2-5 minutes
Sing and move to the song “if you’re happy and you know it.” Try to think of as many if-then statements as you can. For example, “if you’re angry and you know it, stomp your feet.” “If you’re dirty and you know it, take a bath.”
My plan for WHEN-THEN & IF-THEN STATEMENTS:
Think about how you can use when-then & if-then statements at home.
Hooray! You've learned a new skill: When-Then If-Then Statements
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