Week 1: Attending

Spending time just paying attention to your child’s appropriate behavior.

Examples of how a parent attends to a child’s behavior:” My, you’re stacking the blocks high!”

Notice that the parent gives no instructions and asks no questions the parent simply describes exactly what the child is doing.(describing)

Imitating what the child is doing.

Week 2: Rewarding

To make sure your child knows you approve of what he is doing. Rewards do not replace attending but rather build upon it.

Verbal Rewards

Labeled verbal rewards, in which you praise your child’s behavior and label exactly what your child did that you like, are of particular importance. E.g. “Thank you for picking up your toys.”

Physical Rewards

A pat on the back, an arm around your child’s shoulder.

Activity R

Nonsocial (Material) R

These types of rewards are sometimes useful when you start teaching a new behavior. However, it should always be combined with praise. What is most important to young child is your attention.

Week 3: Ignoring

Ignoring is basically withholding attention from children. It has three primary components: No physical, verbal, eye contact. It is used to decrease the occurrence of inappropriate behaviors.

Behaviors you can ignore:

l        Throwing tantrums

l        Crying for attention

l        Screaming

l        Showing off

l        Arguing

Week 4: Giving Instructions

Keeping instructions clear

Break the chain instructions down into smaller steps and issue each part of it individually.

State directly what you want him to do instead of vague or question or let’s.

Week 5: Using Time-Outs

If you do not… you will have to take a time-out.

Issue this warning in a matter-of-fact voice without yelling.

Wait 5 sec

Do not lecture, scold, or argue with your child

Then lead by the hand to time-out chair

Ignore shouting, protesting, and promise to comply.

Best options

l        Hallway

l        Kitchen corner (for 2-3 year old)

l        Parents’ bedroom