Behavioural Supports

Here are some ideas for encouraging positive behaviours:

  • Follow a daily routine and have a set bedtime ritual. Children feel more secure when they know what is going to happen next.
  • Set clear specific house rules and have a family discussion about the new rules.
  • Praise and reward your child whenever you see them engaging in behaviour that you like (no matter how big or small).
  • Start a behaviour chart for a particular behaviour and keep it on the fridge. Your child can receive a star each time they carry out the behaviour correctly. Negotiate with your child a few ideas for rewards for when their chart is full. These rewards do not have to be big or expensive. Quality time is a great reward too!
  • State the behaviour you want your child to display in positive, simple, clear terms. For example, “Sarah, quiet voice please,” rather than “Sarah quit screaming.”
  • Have a break from your children now and again.  This is normal and healthy for both of you.
  • Spend quality time with your child. Research tends to suggest that frequent, short periods of quality time (i.e., even one to two minutes) are beneficial for your child.
  • Throughout the day, pat or squeeze your child on the shoulder or give her a quick, tight hug.
  • Special Handshake ‐ Make up a special handshake together, taking turns adding new gestures. For example, you can do a high five, clasp hands, or tickle palms.
  • Hold your child in your arms and dance to a commercial or to the intro to their favourite show’s song, or turn on the music channel for a brief Dance Party break.
  • Make up lyrics using familiar songs that have your child’s name in it, and the fact that you are his forever mommy. Sing during car rides, bed time, bath time, any old time really. Examples:

(Tune: Happy Birthday to You)
Mommy/Daddy loves you so much, Mommy/Daddy loves you so much, Mommy/Daddy loves you forever,
Mommy/Daddy loves you so much.

(Tune: I Love You ‐ from Barney)
Little (child’s name), Little (child’s name) Mommy/Daddy loves you Little (child’s name) With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you Mommy/Daddy loves you Little (child’s name)

(Tune: You Are My Sunshine)
You are my sunshine, my little (child’s name) You make me happy when skies are grey
I want to tell you, how much I love you
Your laughs and smiles, they brighten my day

(Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle , Little Star)
Twinkle, twinkle little star
What a special girl/boy you are
Dark brown hair, and soft, soft cheeks
Bright brown eyes from which you peek
Twinkle, twinkle little star
What a special girl/boy you are

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