Behavioral Tools

Behavioral Tools

Sometimes it is very difficult to discipline ones children. In today's society there are many contradicting book and literature on how and what type of disciplinary actions need to be taken to promote behavioral change. All parents wonder if they are too strict or not strict enough. If one finds yourself using words like "don't...," "stop...," and "no" to discipline your child, try using positive words instead. Children need to be taught how to behave in socially and morally acceptable ways. To discipline means to teach, especially in matters of conduct. The rewards of guiding children rather than commanding them won't necessarily come right away. But in the long run, it helps children learn to be morally well-developed, socially appropriate, self-directed, and happy kids.

Rewards should be used as a positive reinforcement. Some might differ and say that a reward sounds more like a bribe. In a sense yes, but a reward can be a healthy incentive. Rewards are a useful and important tool for behavioral management.

The rewards system tool may be viewed as concrete or verbal praise. With concrete praise the reward is tangible, such as a toy for a child or money for an adult. On the other hand verbal praise is simply noticing a good behavior and encouraging the continuation of that behavior. At the simplest level, one would only need to say "I really appreciate that" or "your doing such a nice job."

The reward system is a useful tool because it promotes self esteem and motivates both disciplinarian and child. Studies have showed that people are likely to work harder if they are appreciated or rewarded with an incentive that they enjoy. Reward praise system is an easy and simple way to encourage good behavior.

The reward praise system is an important tool that can be implemented in daily lives as an encouragement to others. This tool is extremely simple all one has to do is to take time to notice the good behavior in our surroundings and to compliment one. Rewards praise is a wonderful tool that on can use in the Human services field.

According to Doctor Jennifer Perdler time out has been used as a piratical and effective management technique for more than 30 years (2005). When used correctly, it can be a powerful tool for reducing problem behaviors in children ages 2 1/2 through 12. (www.kidshealth.com)

There are many misconceptions about time out; some parents believe that time out is a period where the child can "cool down" or a period for the child to think. Time out is actually removal, if the opportunity to obtain positive reinforcement for a specific behavior. One needs to start using time out for only one behavior for example hitting, profanity, or throwing things and plan to continue to use time out consistently for four weeks (www.kidshealth.com). These are the following steps needed to follow in order to have a successful time out period.

First and foremost parents need to find a location to designate as the time out area. This area needs to be quite, with nothing to entertain the child and safe. For example of a location that should be use is a stairwell, hall or room that the child doesn't use to play or sleep in. It is also very important that all members of the family and caretakers be acquainted with the rules of time out. This way no can interfere with the time out period and will also be able to utilize it if parents are not home (ww.childdevelopmentinfo.com).

Second and very important is the length of time. A minute is needed for each year of the child's developmental age. A parent needs to know exactly at what developmental stage your child is in for time out to be a successful behavior tool. Example if the child is four years old then time out would last only four minutes. The child's time out is not to be used as time for the child to be quiet.

Third, when a child is sent to time out please use simple instruction. Example "Go to time out for hitting" Resist the urge to scold or lecture. Use a cooking timer with a bell. Set the timer for the length of time out and tell the child he or she must sit in time out until the bell rings. While the child is in time out, the child should not make any noises, hit furniture, play with toys or watch television. If child fails to follow these rules then the timer must be reset. Child will have to start another time out period.

Children may and will try to resist time out, there are a number of ways to handle refusal, but not all will work. One may have to experiment to determine which one will work for one's child. One can tell the child that he or she has three seconds to get to time out; if they fail to get there then their time will double. Children who have any type of disorders will have to be handled differently, one might use stars on a chart to show the child that he or she have served their timeout. One can also use response cost. One can select and activity or object the child enjoys and will not be able to engage in it until time out is served. Do not speak or make eye contact with the child while in time out.

When time out is over you may say "Time out is over" do not console or discuss the behavior that resulted in time out. If the child is crying or shouting at the end of time out period, set the timer for an additional minute. If child continues to cry also continue the procedure but only three times. In no case should the child be permitted to leave time out with out loss of preferred activity.

Time out is only successful if used consistently with the use of rules, boundaries and informing everyone in the family and other caretaker of how and when one uses timeout.

Another popular behavioral technique used by many parents, caregivers and teachers is called Response Cost. It is simply taking away something from the child that is valuable when an identified negative behavior is performed (www.yourfamilyclinic.com). The following are the steps in using the response cost method.

First clearly define what behavior you wish to extinguish or terminate. Record how often the negative behavior occurs.

Second determine what punishment and how much of the punishment to take away (prohibit watching television, talking on the phone, computer usage, allowance, etc).

Third put rewards in sight of the child and family members. For example, if using money as a reward, the child should at any time be able to look and see how much money is left in the jar. The jar serves as a constant reminder. Make sure to label the jar with a positive reminder such as, "Cleaned