Chapter 3
At the outset, you may find yourself praising even the smallest steps toward behavioral change, such as saying, “Thank you for picking up your socks when I asked.” Sometimes, a reward can even be offered after a disagreement or argument. You might be thinking, “But they talked back!” It’s essential to meet your child where they are in terms of behavior and gradually guide them toward the ideal response. This approach may seem counterproductive at first, but these small steps are crucial for long-term progress.
Once you’ve acknowledged their efforts, you can motivate them further by saying something like, “If you do it right when I ask, something awesome will happen!” You might even consider incorporating playful elements, like dancing around in a circle and singing in a funny way. Alternatively, you could offer a quarter or another small reward. These engaging strategies not only make the process enjoyable but also reinforce positive behavior, encouraging them to take more steps in the right direction.