practicing

 “Practice Makes Perfect”

 Practicing is an effective method of correcting problem behavior in a positive way and using natural consequences. It is important to stay calm and positive when implementing Practicing, and to use this technique as a teaching tool instead of punishment. Here is how it is done:

Example:

The child repeatedly misbehaves on the bus to and from school. He has been warned and is at risk of losing bussing privileges.

• Mom: "I guess you don't know how to ride the bus to school. The bus driver tells me that you keep jumping up and down and making noises. Let's practice riding the bus."
• Set out a row of chairs to use as a make-shift bus. Have your child put on their customary back pack, coat, shoes, etc., just as they would if they were going to school.
• Mom: "Now, I am going to set the timer for 10 minutes and I want you to show me how to sit on the bus. Remember, no talking, sit straight, and do not get up."
• If the child refuses, gets up, yells, etc., tell him the practice time will not start until he is sitting quiet.
• Once the child is sitting quiet, the 10 minutes start.
• If the child becomes disruptive again, restart the practice time.
• Repeat practicing times several more times during that afternoon and evening.
• When the child gets up for school the next day, remind him that he now knows how to sit on the bus and that you are expecting him to do so. If he can't sit quietly on the bus, he will have to practice again after school.

Practicing can be used to correct a number of misbehaviors -- including:

• running through the halls
• disrupting car rides
• dawdling when getting dressed
• not going to bed when told, or
• not cleaning up toys when finished

  2003 Pediatric Behavioral Health Resources, LLC