TAKE-HOME STRATEGY
Supporting Behaviors at Home
What It's About
Children communicate and express themselves through their behavior. The best way to support positive behaviors is to focus your child’s attention on what to do and what you want to see, instead of what not to do.
As they engage in different types of behaviors, try to think about why they are doing what they are doing. Once you know the why, you can help your child find positive ways to communicate with others.
Here are some ways you can support behaviors at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child, based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.
Take a look, and try out your favorites!
Plan Ahead
Play Ball
Stretch and Breathe
Fast and Slow
Get Them Involved
Play Games
Quick Cues for Supporting Behaviors
Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s ability to manage behaviors
Give Effective Directions
Give specific and clear directions to help your child know and remember what they should be doing.
This can sound like:
“It’s time to go inside. I’m going to pick you up and walk back to the door.”
“Walk, please!”
“Please put the blocks in the basket.”
Notice Positive Behaviors
Point out when your child is showing the behaviors you want to see.
This can sound like:
“You are being so gentle with the puppy!”
“You are putting your toys away on the shelf! Great job!”
“Wow, thank you so much for your help cleaning up dinner!”
Give Choices
Help your child feel that they have a “say” in what they can do by offering choices.
This can sound like:
“Should we sing a song or read a book?”
“Would you like oranges or apples for snack?”
“It’s time to go. Do you want to put your jacket or shoes on first?”
Our Book Recommendations for Supporting Behaviors
Engaging stories that support children’s behaviors
Hands Can
Written by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by John-Francis Bourke, this book features repetitive text and photographs of real children to highlight positive ways to use our hands.
Have fun with it:
Point out the positive and helpful ways your child uses their hands throughout the day.
You are a Lion
Written and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo, this fun story guides children through simple and relaxing animal yoga poses.
Have fun with it:
Invite your child to try or create different poses while breathing deeply.
More Strategies
We’re creating a library of resources like these so families can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!
