Encouragement - A tool that helps with many problems
Before we get started with therapy, you can begin to make a difference in your child's feelings and behaviors by using the basic principles of encouragement.
The following methods of encouraging your child may be especially helpful:
1) Show involvement in your child's interests. When they are interested in or concerned about something, engage with them on whatever it is.
2) Give specific recognition for accomplishments and efforts -- You put all of those toys in the box! You studied hard for that test!
3) Show faith in your child's abilities -- I know you can do it.
4) Give recognition for effort -- You're really working on that!
5) Comment on what your child is doing -- Look at you putting that just where you need it to go!
6) Focus on what your child does well, and keep negative comments minimal.
7) Show enthusiasm for their efforts!
8) Let your child know that you make mistakes sometimes, too -- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frustrate you.
9) Notice and comment on their feelings about what they have accomplished -- You're proud of yourself for that -- you're smiling!
10) Make sure your child feels valued as he or she is now, even if things are difficult.
Your child will keep trying if you keep encouraging!
Source - Terry Kottman, Partners in Play
As we work collaboratively to help your particular child, other parenting tools will be suggested.
Before we get started with therapy, you can begin to make a difference in your child's feelings and behaviors by using the basic principles of encouragement.
The following methods of encouraging your child may be especially helpful:
1) Show involvement in your child's interests. When they are interested in or concerned about something, engage with them on whatever it is.
2) Give specific recognition for accomplishments and efforts -- You put all of those toys in the box! You studied hard for that test!
3) Show faith in your child's abilities -- I know you can do it.
4) Give recognition for effort -- You're really working on that!
5) Comment on what your child is doing -- Look at you putting that just where you need it to go!
6) Focus on what your child does well, and keep negative comments minimal.
7) Show enthusiasm for their efforts!
8) Let your child know that you make mistakes sometimes, too -- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frustrate you.
9) Notice and comment on their feelings about what they have accomplished -- You're proud of yourself for that -- you're smiling!
10) Make sure your child feels valued as he or she is now, even if things are difficult.
Your child will keep trying if you keep encouraging!
Source - Terry Kottman, Partners in Play
As we work collaboratively to help your particular child, other parenting tools will be suggested.