A few tips for the New School Year from a Behavior Analyst and Teacher
- Trina Purdy
- Aug 8, 2022
- 2 min read
Be proactive by visiting the school, show your child where they will eat lunch, have recess, meet their teacher(s), visit the classroom, and anything that may help them with the “beginning of school jitters”.
Communicate with the teacher(s) and staff. Here are a couple of examples, if your child has had a “rough” morning, write a note to let their teacher know. You don’t have to give any details (unless you feel comfortable in doing so and they will help your child in some way). You can ask for this same response from them as well. If your child has had a “rough day” at school, ask that their teacher send home a note as a “heads up”. This will give you an opportunity to discuss the situation and help them grow from the experience.
Prepare your child for any changes in their schedules as soon as possible. For example, if you know that next Friday they will not be eating lunches in the cafeteria and recess will be different, talk with them as soon as you know and revisit it often until that day so there are no surprises. This will cut down on their anxiety.
If your child struggles with timeframes and/or transitions, use a visual schedule for the morning and after school routines. This may also cut down on some “challenging” behaviors. TIMERS are also great auditory reminders. For example, your child has about 10 minutes left to play before it is time to eat dinner. Set the time for 5 minutes and 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, let the timer sound and verbally remind them that there is 5 minutes left before dinner.
Use Behavior Specific Praise and lots of positive reinforcement when your child does/says the “right” thing(s). Praise (and sometime “reward”) the heck out of the things you want to see more of. For example, if your child comes home after school and puts their school items like backpack and lunch box in the designated area, say “I like how you put your backpack and lunch box away. Good job!”. You can give a high fives, hugs, and let them see how it makes you feel.
Make sure your child has a set bedtime each night with a comforting bedtime routine. Be creative here. Your child won’t remember what you said to them later in life but they WILL remember how you made them feel safe and loved.
Ensure that your child eats healthy meals and snacks (even if they are picky eaters) and try to eat as a family as often as possible. There are many study that prove the positive impact that this activity has on a child’s growth and development.
Allow time to just be a kid and play. Encourage outdoor and large motor play as much as possible. Play with them, interact, connect, and spend time as a family.
Limit technology and screen time.
If you have been facing behavior challenges with your child, searching for answers, or feeling like you’re at wits end, please reach out. We’d love to talk with you today. For a limited time, we are offering a FREE 30-minute consultation. Schedule today!!
