When parents are trying to change any kind of child behaviour, Behaviour Analysts recommend that making small, gradual changes & doing it consistently is key.
In Terms Of Parenting, This Goes For:
• Teaching New Skills
• Introducing New Routines
• Incorporating New Foods In The Diet
• Or Any Other Behaviour Change
*It is important to note, that if you are changing how you are addressing something with one child, it is important where appropriate to address it the same way with their siblings also, to reduce the chance of sibling rivalry.
Behaviour Therapists point out that if the changes are small, it makes it less of a transition for the child, which means the child is likely to adapt to it much easier. By keeping the changes small, the child barely notices the change, & if they do, the change should always be kept that it doesn’t evoke big feelings in the child such as fear or anxiety, etc. By keeping the changes small & in turn keeping the child’s response to it calm & neutral, this helps massively in setting the child up for success in adapting to the change.
Studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis, show that by making the transition easier, this reduces the chances of the child experiencing frustration with it. This in turn, makes it less likely that the parent is going to have to help the child with managing anger, less likely that the parent will have to address the child having tantrums, less likely the parent will have to respond to the child displaying negative attention-seeking behaviour, & less likely that other behaviour challenges will come up as a result.
Implementing these changes on a consistent basis, Child Therapists point out, makes your child familiar with the new skill/routine/food, etc. & it becomes more natural & easier for them.
#BehaviourChange #SlowAndGradualChanges #ConsistencyIsKey
