How To Change Behaviour

When parents are looking to change more than one area of their child’s behaviour, for e.g. the areas of tantrums & sibling rivalry, or the areas of managing anger & attention-seeking behaviour, etc., Behaviour Analysts recommend that the parent focuses on one area at a time.

When that particular behaviour challenge is addressed effectively, Behaviour Therapists advise that the parent should then go about introducing the changes they would like to see to the second area. Studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis show, that by addressing one area at a time, it is setting the parent & child up for a higher chance of success, which in turn makes parenting a whole lot easier.

Child Therapists highlight that, if parents try to change too much at the one time, it makes it more likely that both the parent & the child will become overwhelmed. As a result of this, there is less chance of the parent having success in either area they are trying to improve on, & so focusing on one area at a time is best.

In addition to this, slow, gradual changes made consistently over time is the ultimate success formula. So, parents should make small changes, & make sure that these changes are fully embedded in the situation, & that everyone involved is in the swing of things, before adding any more new changes to the situation. It is also so important that parents are consistent with following through with the change they have made, as if they only do it sometimes & not other times, it is less likely to be effective.

When deciding which area to focus on first, it is advisable to always start with the improvement that is going to have the most benefit for the child, as what is best for the child should always be first priority.

#personcentred #slowgradualchanges #consistency #focusononeareaatatime