There are many different and specific situations that can cause challenging behaviour in a child. Research suggests that their are four main reasons a child could display a challenging behaviour; attention-seeking, escape/avoidance, sensory stimulation, and access to materials. Tackling these behaviours with your child can be hard, however, here are some helpful tips!
Tip #1: Token Boards
Token boards are one of the easiest ways to implement positive reinforcement, in fact, most of our clinicians use these often in their sessions! How it works is that the child will earn a token or a star for each positive behaviour they exhibit, then at the end, all the tokens or stars can be used for a time on the iPad, playing with their favourite toy, or even for candy! Token boards are so versatile and it’s an easy way to encourage positive behaviour and work towards a reward.
Tip #2: Timers
Timers come in handy often and are a great way to provide a visual for your child when it comes to doing a certain task. Timers can also be used as a way to provide reinforcement. For example, you may set the timer so for every 5 minutes your child does their work, then they can have 3 minutes of play. The time gives a clear picture of what is expected of them!
Tip #3: Visuals and schedules
Sometimes when a child is exhibiting a behaviour it is because they are unaware of what is expected of them, but visuals are great for this! You can make visuals of different rules and reinforcement choices to outline exactly what the child has to do. Schedules are also great since it can help with transitions. Allowing your child to see what they are doing and at what time helps create a better picture of what needs to be done and for how long the activity will take place.
Tip #4: Follow through and offer praise
Being consistent with your limits and expectations plays a huge role when it comes to handling behaviours. It is confusing for children when they are allowed to do something one day and not the next. Additionally, verbal praise is always good as it is highly positive and motivating to a young child! Make sure to keep your praise specific, to let them know exactly what they did right.
Understanding why your child behaves a certain way can often help with a plan to intervene with that behaviour more easily. Oftentimes the key to preventing these difficult behaviours can be positive reinforcement and consistency. Hopefully, these tips help!
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