Reinforcement and Crisis

Remember to reinforce what you only really want to reinforce.  Remember, “what we focus on, increases.”  This is not an invitation to bury your head in the sand.  Take care of safety, urgent issues quickly and efficiently, but find ways to reinforce the positive.

          Understand and effectively use:

1.     Redirection  

2.     Choices (3 is usually best and make them real choices)

3.     Consequences

Tantrums:

1.               Assure safety if there is a real potential safety hazard.

2.               Don’t over react.

3.               Allow children to lean they can self-calm

4.               Teach children appropriate ways to communicate and meet needs

5.               Teach delayed gratification