Therapist Tip of the Week: Teach a Replacement Skill Before the Child Needs It

During stressful transitions, children may return to behaviors that have worked for them in the past. If a child does not have an easy and effective way to communicate, challenging behavior may become their fastest way to meet a need. Giving the child strategies to do instead is critical for long-term success with managing difficult behaviors.

One Idea

Choose one simple replacement skill that could help the child meet the same need more appropriately. Some common tools include asking for help, asking for a break, asking for more time, or using a coping skill.

Make sure to practice the skill when the child is calm!

Try This This Week

Choose one challenging behavior that has either increased or is not improving. Ask yourself, “What could this child do instead that would help meet the same need?” Teach and practice that replacement skill before the next difficult situation occurs.