My child always seems to be doing things they shouldn’t, but I don’t know what to do…
It’s ok to not always know what to do. Sometimes, we have times where things happen and we don’t have a solution on hand.
What’s important though is learning how to teach your child when they do seem to engage in problematic behaviors what they can do instead.
When we teach better behaviors, we are really teaching a more appropriate behavior for the child to engage in.
The end result is the same, but with more desirable actions to get there.
Here at The ABA Parent Page, you’ll learn about how to teach better behaviors, as well as how to think on your feet when a new behavior occurs.
Let’s learn about teaching better behaviors!
Why teach better behaviors?
When using this strategy, the idea is to look at a problematic behavior and teach a more appropriate one its place.
Doing this gives the child a way to access the desired response in a more acceptable way.
You are providing an easier way to get the same end results, or function, as the problematic behavior.
How do I teach better behavior?
- Identify what the problematic behavior is, and its function.
- Determine an appropriate replacement behavior that serves the same function.
- Reinforce the alternative/replacement behavior, or you can reinforce others engaging in the behavior around your child. This will encourage peer modeling from your child.
What if I’ve never seen the behavior before?
If you’ve never encountered the problematic behavior before, try giving clear directions on what you want your child to do instead.
More specifically, say what you want them to do. An example of this is if your child is standing on a chair, which is unsafe, you could say something like, “feet on the floor.”
When instances of problematic behaviors happen, you may need to state what it is they can do in that moment that has them stop engaging in that unwanted behavior.
If you simply tell them to stop what they’re doing, they won’t know what they can actually do.
Take Aways
The idea of teaching better behaviors is to give alternatives to children that serves the same purpose as the problematic behavior does.
When you go to teach a better behavior, ensure you know what the function is of the undesired one.
Be sure to reinforce the desired, alternative behavior. Remember, if there is no reinforcement, there is no real reason (to your child) to stop engaging in the problematic behavior.
Sometimes, we have to think on our feet. If a new situation, or behavior, arises, try telling your child what to do so they have clear directions.
When it comes to learning about ABA techniques to use in the home, join The ABA Parent Page to be in the know!
Let’s talk about behaviors!