Whether you deal with psychologically challenged patients or children with diagnosed behavior disorders, you need techniques to manage the behavior of your dependents. Even children considered to be within the spectrum of "normal" behavioral tendencies will need behavioral guidance from time to time. You can choose from among several techniques to manage the behavior of just about anyone.
The "ABC" Method
Manage the behavior of children, adolescents and even adults by addressing the individual behaviors of each person under your care. According to behavioral experts at the University of Washington, effectively managing behavior requires that you identify, study and develop a plan for each individual behavior you wish to manage.
For instance, suppose your child cannot seem to finish the task of cleaning his room. Instead, you find him in by the television playing video games as soon as you turn your head. You have identified the behavior you wish to change: your child's abandonment of his task. Next, you need to observe the behavior to learn its causes. This is where the ABCs of this method come in.
"A" stands for antecedent, which is the event that causes the behavior. Observe your child as he cleans his room pay attention to the moments just before he abandons the task. If he got bored or frustrated, you may be demanding too much. "B" stands for the behavior itself, which you have identified. And "C" stands for the consequence. In this case, by abandoning his task, the boy gets to play video games, which is his likely part of the motivation for the abandonment behavior in the first place.
Finally, develop a plan to change the behavior. If you observed boredom or frustration in the child, perhaps you should not expect him to clean the whole room at once. One behavior management plan could involve splitting the room-cleaning task into smaller chunks, with a reward of 15 minutes of video game time after he completes each part.
Behavior Techniques for Inattentive, Hyperactive or Impulsive Preschoolers
Young children who are easily distracted or hyperactive can be difficult to keep on task. They might also tend to disrupt a group of children trying to accomplish a task together. Such a child needs consistent routines and plenty of structure in her environment. You can use a timer to reinforce structure; this focuses the child on completing a task before time is up. To the extent you can, have her perform the same tasks at the same time each day and warn her ahead of time about new activities. Before each activity, lay out the boundaries and expectations you have for the child, even if she has performed the activity before. Use a reward system that the child responds to, such as points or stickers awarded for good behavior or completed tasks. Keep the child engaged in mental activities, such as reading and completing puzzles, by participating in the activities with her.
Behavior Techniques for Older Children Who Are Inattentive, Hyperactive or Impulsive
For an older child whom you expect to complete more complex tasks, detailed instructions are a must. You should break down each task into small parts with easily reachable goals. Reward the child with points or stickers each time he reaches a prescribed goal. Older children may not respond as well to simple rewards, such as stickers and points, but you should avoid using food. You can try rewarding them with two-minute breaks during which they can draw or talk with a friend. Set up specific consequences negative behaviors ahead of time and communicate them to other caregivers, such as teachers and baby-sitters, to maintain consistency throughout the child's routine. Most importantly, model good behavior. All children mimic the actions they see in adults; if you want your child to behave appropriately, you should that way, too.
