Is your home currently functioning as a multi-grade-level classroom, cafeteria, gym, art room, science lab, library, music room, office, and conference call location for your partner? We understand that this can be quite a challenge.
In the meantime, we hope the following suggestions and resources will help you navigate your child’s behavior and keep your sanity intact while spending all your time at home. Here are some strategies to promote engagement and appropriate behavior so your family can thrive together.
- View Behavior as Communication: Remember that behavior, which includes everything anyone says or does, serves a purpose. Your child may not yet be able to express their wants and needs appropriately. Consider what your child might be trying to communicate—are they seeking your attention, trying to avoid something, wanting a specific activity, or simply enjoying a sensory experience like spinning or dancing? Understanding behavior as a form of communication can help you better interpret your child’s actions.
- Teach Replacement Behaviors: Once you understand the reason behind challenging behavior, guide your child in learning how to express their needs appropriately. For instance, if your child screams for attention, teach them to ask in a calm voice. If they hit when their sibling takes something, encourage them to let you know so you can intervene. Take time to brainstorm ideas when you’re calm, and practice them during peaceful moments to reinforce these behaviors.
- Engage with Your Child: Make a conscious effort to attend to your child by commenting on what they are doing. For example, “That’s a beautiful shade of blue you’re using!” Focus on your child and try to limit distractions from your phone or other electronic devices. When you give them your attention, they are less likely to exhibit challenging behavior.
- Praise Positive Behavior: When you notice your child demonstrating desired behaviors, offer specific praise. Use behavior-specific comments so they understand what they did well, such as “Great job playing with your toys!” or “Nice sharing with your sister!”
- Provide Clear Instructions: Limit the number of instructions you give to your child and assess whether each command is necessary. Make your instructions simple and specific, and ensure you follow through. By doing so, your child will learn that you mean what you say, helping them understand how to cooperate within the family.
- Maintain a Normal Routine: Try to keep your daily routine as consistent as possible. Encourage your child to wake up, get dressed, and eat breakfast just like any other day. Going to bed around the same time can also help provide stability.
- Create a Daily Schedule: Children are accustomed to following a schedule at school. Providing a list of activities for the day can enhance engagement and offer structure. This schedule can include leisure activities, meals, hygiene, homework, and family time. Write down the activities along with their starting times. If possible, use pictures to represent activities and a timer to signal transitions. If printing isn’t an option, consider using a picture folder on a phone or tablet.
If you found these tips helpful, check out our Purposeful Parenting online webinars and other blog posts! Follow us on social media for updates, tips, and resources. We’d love for you to share pictures and ideas from your home with us! Let us know how we can support you—let’s create a strong online community together!
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