Training:
Behavioral Guidance and Responsiveness

Part 1: Setting the Foundation for Positive Behavior

Why Behavioral Guidance Matters

• Helps children learn self-control and decision-making skills.

• Builds trust and respect between parents and children.

• Creates a safe, structured environment for children to thrive.

Key Practices:

• Set clear, age-appropriate expectations.

• Be consistent in your rules and consequences.

• Model the behavior you want to see in your child.

Reflection:

1. What values or behaviors are most important for you to teach your child?

   • ________________________________________

2. What strategies have worked well for you in setting expectations?

   • ________________________________________

 

Part 2: Preventive Strategies for Guiding Behavior

Proactive steps reduce the likelihood of misbehavior.

Strategies:

1. Set Clear Rules and Expectations:
   Clearly explain acceptable behaviors and provide examples.
   Example: "When we’re at the park, we take turns on the slide."

2. Establish Routines:
   Predictable routines help children feel secure and understand what is expected of them.
   Example: A consistent bedtime routine.

3. Model Positive Behavior:
   Children learn by watching you. Model kindness, patience, and self-control.

4. Praise Positive Behaviors:
   Reinforce good behavior with specific, positive feedback.
   Example: "I’m so proud of how you helped clean up!"

5. Offer Choices:
   Empower your child with limited, age-appropriate choices.
   Example: "Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue one?"

Activity:
Write one way you can use each strategy this week:

• Routines: ____________________________________________________________________

• Positive Reinforcement: _______________________________________________________

• Choices: ____________________________________________________________________

 

Part 3: Immediate Response to Negative Behavior

Addressing inappropriate behavior quickly helps children understand the connection between actions and consequences.

Steps to Follow:

1. Stay Calm and Collected:

   • Your tone and body language set the tone for the interaction. Take a deep breath and approach the situation with composure.

2. Be Immediate:

   • Address the behavior as soon as it occurs to reinforce the connection between actions and consequences.

3. Describe the Behavior, Not the Child:

   • Avoid labeling the child and focus on the specific behavior.

   • Example: Instead of "You're being bad," say, "Hitting is not acceptable."

4. Use Immediate, Logical Consequences:

   • ​Consequences should relate to the behavior.

   • Example: "If you draw on the wall, you’ll need to help clean it."

5. Redirect to Positive Alternatives:

   • Offer guidance on what the child can do.

   • Example: "Instead of hitting, use words to say you’re upset."

Reflection Activity:

1. Recall a recent instance of challenging behavior.

   • What happened? _______________________________________________________

   • How did you respond? __________________________________________________

   • What could you have done differently? ___________________________________

2. Write a plan for how you will handle similar situations in the future:

   • ________________________________________​

 

Part 4: Disciplinary Strategies

Discipline teaches accountability and helps children learn from their mistakes.

Effective Disciplinary Strategies:

• Withdrawal of Privileges:
  Remove a privilege as a consequence of inappropriate behavior.
  Example: "You can’t use the tablet today because you didn’t follow the rules."

• Corrective Dialogue:
  Have a calm conversation to help your child reflect on why their behavior was inappropriate and how to make better choices.
  Example: "How did hitting make your friend feel? What can you do next time instead?"

• Time-In:
  Instead of isolating the child, spend quiet time together to talk about their feelings, behavior, and how they can improve.

Activity:

1. Write an example of how you might use these strategies:

   • Withdrawal of Privileges: ________________________________________________

   • Corrective Dialogue: ____________________________________________________

   • Time-In: _______________________________________________________________

2. What disciplinary strategy would you like to improve or practice more?

 

Part 5: Building Your Parenting Plan

Set Your Goals for This Week:

• What preventive strategy will you focus on?

• How will you respond calmly to challenging behaviors?

• What disciplinary technique will you practice?

Tips for Success

• Be patient: Behavioral changes take time and consistency.

• Use mistakes as learning opportunities—for both you and your child.

• Practice self-care to stay calm and emotionally available for your child.

Reflection:

• What is one positive change you’ve noticed in your child’s behavior recently?

• How have your responses influenced that change?

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Conclusion

By focusing on proactive guidance, calm responsiveness, and constructive discipline, you can nurture your child’s growth while strengthening your relationship. Remember, consistency and empathy are key!