You may have heard of ‘executive functioning’ at your child’s school, OT office, or psychiatry appointment. It’s kind of a big deal. At the same time, executive functioning is very basic. You use executive functioning skills every day! So, what is it? The executive functions are a set of processes that allow you to manage…
I know what you’re thinking…you’re probably ‘connected’ with your child all day, every day! After all, it’s not hard to connect with your toddler or preschooler…they’re hanging on you all the time, needing something constantly, and go with you everywhere. Right? But what about meaningful connection? Sounds hard? Time-consuming? It’s not! We have 10 ways…
You want your child to behave in a certain way, perform to a particular standard (say, in school), or simply not embarrass you with a tantrum in the grocery store aisle. But how to motivate kids who don’t want to comply? I have one kid who is motivated simply by guilt…he’s a parent pleaser and…
Willful behavior is worrisome, but good news…sometimes, your child may not be acting willfully at all. Your defiant child may be going through something else entirely. Case in point: The task was simple, or seemingly simple. My young friend had stepped on another friend’s fingers and he needed to do the socially appropriate thing and…
Whether you have a special needs child or a typically-developing child, these top parenting strategies for changing and directing behavior are key! We already know that guiding behavior is hard, but as we learn the science behind behavior, top parenting strategies emerge. The following strategies are used every day with ABA therapists and can be…
Inconsistent reinforcement sounds like a big concept, but I promise it’s not! A child–whether atypically developing or typically–will repeat behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded (this is positive reinforcement) and will most likely not repeat behaviors that are not reinforced or punished. We all understand this concept as human beings; after all, we see it…