MANAGING INSTRUCTIONS IN POSITIVE WAYS

HI…….WELCOME BACK

GIVING INSTRUCTIONS:

How do I get my child listens and responds to me? This is the question most of my parents ask, when interacting with their children. It can be often difficult to know, how to get their child to follow through once you ask them to do something.

Strategies:

Let’s look at the strategies and techniques to follow and to keep it in mind J

Set realistic expectations: As a parent it is important to know what your expectation prior before giving instructions. Always consider child’s ability before setting instruction (or goal)

Set your child up for success: Thinking strategy for the child where he/she sees success in the first attempt especially if he is learning a new skill. This means
Ex: moving a garbage can little closer to the child, when you ask him to throw away something.
Arranging all the necessary items if he just learning how to wash hands

Expect follow-through: when giving instructions it is important to expect follow through, avoid asking instruction if you are not prepared to assist your child in completing the task if he has difficulty. Not following through tells your child that it is ok, not to respond when he is asked to do something. This pattern that can be hard to break once it is established.

Provide assistance if necessary: if you ask him/her to do something, if he does not respond provide as much as assistance as meaning to complete the task. When giving an instruction one of the most important things to ensure is that you have your child’s attention.

Get down to your child’s level: getting down to your child’s level by using his name, will help him understand you speaking to him. Ex, Rohan this is the time for you to do puzzle.

One more minute, then……: if your child is engaged in play activity consider giving him a warning prior to instruction. Ex, one more minute- then tidy up all the toys. This may help to produce difficulty with transition and may assist with follow through once the instruction is given. Even he does not have yet the concept of time he will begin to learn, that he needs to start finishing the play, when the warning is given.

State your request clearly: it is good idea to state your request clearly, using the words your child understands. Consider whether or not your child understands language concepts such as in, on, under

Make sure directions are brief: you also want to make sure your directions are brief; sometimes your instructions may get lost by using too many unnecessary words.

Use visual to help your child understand: visuals are any objects or materials that are used to enhance spoken language. Visuals includes: gestures, photographs, objects, words, picture symbols.

“Model “what you want your child to do: you may wish to model the desired action or use objects or gestures to increase receptive language. Ex, it’s time to put on shoes by holding child’s shoes you are pairing up visual cue with spoken language.

Picture symbols increase comprehension: as visual needs, picture symbols supports to spoken language, and increase comprehension. Ex; first and then board (first wash hands then eat, this gives clear visual message to the child and understands what is expected.)

Use positive language: it is important to say your request positively tells your child what you want him to do rather than what you don’t want. Do this t emphasizes positive and make him to know what is expected.

Do not ask if there is not choice!!!!!!: always state a direction rather than giving in question form, by asking child “ can you put your shoes on” you are giving an option for your child to say no instead “it’s time to put the shoes on” or “shoes on”.

Allow enough time to process what you have said: some children may need up to 10 seconds to fully process your instruction/direction. Say it once and wait, I mean stay through the request for some time. Say it once and wait within first 10 seconds if your child does not respond. Avoid repeating instructions, repeating can be more confusing may interrupt in processing and required him to start from the beginning. If your child does not respond within 10 seconds provide assistance really needed.

Providing choice with in a direction: at a time its best practice to provide choice with in the direction. If your child is having difficulty completing direction you may state: For ex, when it’s time to switch off the tv you can give direction like” you want me to turn off the tv” or “you will turn off the tv by yourself”. This way the expectation is set , when you are certain that when your child understands direction but difficulty follow through.

Always use praise!!!!! When teaching new skills or when giving new directions it is essential to reinforce immediately, when he tends to follow through again upon completion of the task.  As adults our paychecks are reinforcement for the work we do, when somebody gives compliment on the meal we cooked, we are being reinforced. It is important to remember Kids need reinforcement too!

Consider what will motivate your child: as each child is different may be social reinforcement such as verbal, physical, gestural may be combination works. Social reinforcement is often preferred as it is the most natural type of reinforcement.  

Describe what your child has done well!!!! Verbal praise should always describe the behavior that is practiced. Simply “stating good girl sesha” does not provide the child with enough information about what it is she has done well, if you describe the behavior itself like “wow sesha you did tidy up the place”. Then she is clear about what you like about her work, therefore will be more likely to repeat the behavior in future.

Social praise can be paired with reinforcing objects or activities:  all times social reinforcement may not be enough motivating for your child at these time social reinforcement can be paired with preferred items such as toys, food or tangibles. Sometimes your child will be motivated more if you allow him to do his preferred activity. Remember social reinforcement never needs to be reduced.

Difference between reinforcement and bribery is, reinforcement comes after the task is completed, bribery is usually offered before.

Independence and self esteem: watching your child learn new skills and become independent can be a wonderful experience and knowing that you helped him/her in the way of success is extremely joyfulJ

I hope to find them useful!!!! Try some of these ideas for your child to rock QQQQQ