SOS!!! Help for Parents

1. SOS!!! Help for Parents A Practical Guide for Handling Common Everyday Behavior Problems

2. Why Kids Behave and Misbehave • Good and bad behavior are shaped by the reward a child receives • Sometimes caregivers “accidentally” reward and strengthen a child’s misbehavior

3. Example: • It is Jack’s bedtime. However Jack is not ready for bed. He begins to cry, scream, etc. Being exhausted yourself , what do you do?

4. Three Child Rearing Rules • Rule 1- Reward good behavior (quickly and often) • Rule 2- Don’t “accidentally” reward bad behavior • Rule 3- Discipline some bad behavior

5. Rule One- Reward Good Behavior • When a child gets rewarded for engaging in a particular behavior, the behavior is strengthened or reinforced • People repeat behavior that they have received rewards. • So if you like it-reward it.

6. Social Rewards • Works for both children and adults • Examples: smiles, hugs, verbal praise, attention • Praise the behavior not the child-it is more effective

7. Material Rewards • This would include materials or activities • Social rewards are more powerful than material rewards • Social rewards are usually more convenient • Remember to give right after the desired behavior

8. Rule 2: Don’t “Accidentally” Reward Bad Behavior • This strengthens the behavior and makes it more likely for the misbehavior to occur again • This is usually done unintentionally • Most common child rearing mistakes

9. Rule 3: Punish Some Bad Behavior • Use mild punishment only • Mild punishments such as scolding, natural consequences, logical consequences, time-out, and behavior penalty • Don’t use grim threats, sarcasm, or hard spankings

10. Four Child Rearing Errors To Avoid • Parents fail to reward good behavior • Parents “accidentally” punish good behavior • Parents “accidentally” reward bad behavior • Parents fail to punish bad behavior