Managing Children’s Behaviours with ABC’S

One of the greatest challenges parents face is managing their children’s behaviour. Whether your child is refusing to follow a simple request or having a full-blown tantrum, parents are often stuck on how to respond. These steps will provide a roadmap to calmer and more consistent ways to manage your child’s behaviour.

What are the ABC’s?

Antecedents

What happened right before the behaviour occurred?  These factors can help you predict when difficult behaviours are likely to occur.  Identifying and anticipating these triggers  are extremely helpful in preventing unwanted behaviours.

Behaviors

Behaviours are a form of communication .  When your child is “acting out”, reframe this for yourself.  Remind yourself that they are simply trying to communicate with you through their behaviours.  What is your child trying to tell you through their behaviours? Do you want to encourage or discourage these behaviours from reoccurring?

Consequences

Consequences are what happens right after a behaviour occurs.   This is our greatest area of influence as parents when it comes to behaviour management.  How do you respond to the behaviour? A parent’s response to the behaviour will significantly affect whether that behavior happens again.

It is important to understand why your child is behaving the way that they are. Identifying your child’s triggers and behaviours can help you change the way you react to their behaviour. A good reaction to a “bad” behaviour can help children feel understood. This gives children the confidence to express themselves with “good” behaviour.

In the heat of the moment, it may be tough reacting to children in the best possible way.  If you’re struggling to identify triggers, struggling to communicate, or simply need support, a therapist can support you and your child. Counselling can help build better communication and understanding. In addition, it can help children express themselves through play therapy.

For more information, please contact us through the form or at 905-799-2228.

Managing Children’s Behaviours with ABC’S

One of the greatest challenges parents face is managing their children’s behaviour. Whether your child is refusing to follow a simple request or having a full-blown tantrum, parents are often stuck on how to respond. These steps will provide a roadmap to calmer and more consistent ways to manage your child’s behaviour.

What are the ABC’s?

Antecedents

What happened right before the behaviour occurred?  These factors can help you predict when difficult behaviours are likely to occur.  Identifying and anticipating these triggers  are extremely helpful in preventing unwanted behaviours.

Behaviors

Behaviours are a form of communication .  When your child is “acting out”, reframe this for yourself.  Remind yourself that they are simply trying to communicate with you through their behaviours.  What is your child trying to tell you through their behaviours? Do you want to encourage or discourage these behaviours from reoccurring?

Consequences

Consequences are what happens right after a behaviour occurs.   This is our greatest area of influence as parents when it comes to behaviour management.  How do you respond to the behaviour? A parent’s response to the behaviour will significantly affect whether that behavior happens again.

It is important to understand why your child behaves the way they are. Identifying your child’s triggers and behaviours can help you change the way you react to their behaviour. A good reaction to a “bad” behaviour can help children feel understood. This gives children the confidence to express themselves with “good” behaviour.

In the heat of the moment, reacting to children in the best possible way may be tough.  If you’re struggling to identify triggers, struggling to communicate, or simply need support, a therapist can support you and your child. Counselling can help build better communication and understanding. In addition, it can help children express themselves through play therapy.

For more information, please contact us through the form or at 905-799-2228.

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