Getting Started with Positive Behavior Support at Home
For family members
Family members, it is terrific that you are seeking information on positive behavior support, since it is beneficial for improving family life and enhancing children’s behavior. Here are some steps to explore whether positive behavior support is a good match for your home, and if so, how to move forward:
- Michigan Alliance for Families: Introduction to Positive Behavior Support webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTLdg-ezvGw&feature=youtu.be
- a. Improve your child’s behavior by
- i. increasing desirable behavior and/or
- ii. decreasing undesirable behavior?
- b. Make certain valued daily routines within your home or community more successful
- c. Support your entire family by using positive behavior support principles
- d. Work in partnership with professionals to improve the use of positive behavior support in schools or community settings
- a. Teachers and other educational personnel (e.g., counselors, behavior specialists, family liaisons, school psychologists, district staff). If interested in getting involved with positive behavior at school, see Getting Started with PBIS in Schools for Family Members or visit http://www.pbis.org/family.
- b. Service providers (e.g., behavior analysts, therapists, psychologists, physicians, social workers, mental health counselors, physicians, supported employment or living program staff, early intervention providers). Some states have credentialing programs for positive behavior support professionals and behavior analysts often embrace the principles in their service delivery as well (https://bacb.com/). If you are interested in getting involved with positive behavior in the community, see Getting Started with Positive Behavior Support in the Community or consider joining the Home and Community Network: https://www.facebook.com/HCPBS.
Think about your family values, goals, and expectations for behavior – working with other family members to determine what behaviors are – and are not — acceptable. Think about what defines quality of life for your family. If chores or other tasks are required in your household, make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Let children know when expectations change. PSN – Expectations
Try to understand what patterns may be affecting your child or family member’s behavior. Pay attention to what happens before and afterward – what circumstances or reactions contribute to successes and difficulties. Seek help in conducting a functional behavioral assessment if needed.
Arrange your environment to promote positive behavior (e.g., by having a list of house rules or everything a child needs to complete chores handy) and remove distractions or other problematic items (e.g., electronics during homework, dangerous items). PSN – Household Organization
Encourage your children to use words or other appropriate forms to communication (e.g., writing, pictures, gestures, iPad) to let you know what they need, rather than responding to problem behavior. Learn more about functional communication training and social and life skills instruction.
Reward your children for desirable behavior (i.e., meeting expectations) with praise, special activities or treats, privileges, and time off or reduced demands. Follow activities your children do not like with those they do. PSN – Reinforcement
Learn about mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral strategies that may help reduce stress, be more present, and keep you focused on your intentions as you put these changes in place (e.g., see PracticedMind app in Apple App Store).
Track improvements in behavior, as well as quality of life changes and celebrate positive changes. Change is hard, and you deserve reinforcement too. PSN – Monitoring
Pick one routine you find to be particularly important and/or challenging and start using these principles in just that routine, expanding when successful. (Family Routine Guide – http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/parent/mod6/family_routine_guide.pdf):
- Practiced routines online videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLi08Aejqezrdyq4rTcBUmI63EzBKPNkx
- Ten Positive Behavior Support Strategies to Support Families at Home: Ten-Steps.pdf
- Facilitator’s Guide on Positive Behavior Support: PBSwhole.pdf
- Positive Solutions Parent Training Modules (CSEFEL): http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/training_parent.html
- Center for Parent Information and Resources http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/behavior-athome/