Resolving Your Childs Challenging Behavior Excerpt.pdf

Resolving Your Child's Challenging Behavior

A Practical Guide to Parenting With Positive Behavior Support

MEME HIENEMAN KAREN ELFNER JANE SERGAY


Resolving Your Child’s Challenging Behavior

About the Authors

This book was written by three women—Meme, Karen, and Jane. Each author is a parent as well as a professional with extensive experience working with children with behavioral difficulties and their families. Collectively, Meme, Karen, and Jane have more than 95 years of professional experience, applying research-based information in practical ways to improve the lives of children and families.

Meme Hieneman, Ph.D., BCBA

Consultant with Positive Behavior Support Applications, Faculty Member at Purdue University Global, and President of the Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network.

Karen Elfner, M.A.

Research Associate, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.

Jane Sergay, M.Ed.

Department of Adult and Community Education, Comprehensive Family Literacy Services, School District of Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay, Florida.


Foreword

Positive behavior support (PBS) emerged from its roots in applied behavior analysis in the late 1980s and early 1990s. PBS was developed in response to a need for effective procedures of behavior management that could be used in typical environments. This book is the second edition of a PBS guidebook for parents that provides meaningful contributions to the growing impact of PBS.

Note to the Reader

This book is intended for parents and other caregivers of children experiencing behavior challenges. It creates a user-friendly workbook on PBS specifically for parents and caregivers, providing a framework to maximize positive interactions among family members.


Introduction and Overview

Raising children is a challenging task. Our children’s behavior is one factor that often challenges us. This book provides a consistent and effective approach to understanding why children behave the way they do and how to encourage positive behavior.

Understanding and Addressing Behavior

Challenging behaviors can include anything from tantrums to defiance, which can disrupt not only the child’s learning but also the family’s harmony. Evaluating these behaviors requires careful consideration of their impact on all aspects of family life.

Categories of Challenging Behavior:

Dangerous Destructive Disruptive Disgusting Developmentally inappropriate
Example: Jasmine bites other children when she is angry. Example: Miguel bends and breaks his father’s DVDs. Example: Alissa argues loudly when she is told no. Example: David picks his nose and eats the boogers. Example: Tyrone cries several times each day.

Conclusion

PBS provides a framework for understanding and addressing behavior, guiding families to restructure their lives and help children improve. The cycle of positive behavior support involves identifying goals, analyzing behavior patterns, designing strategies, using the plan, and monitoring progress.