Complicated life problems require uncomplicated solutions. Behaviour therapy for kids can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The positive change that follows can transform their life for good.
What exactly is Behaviour Therapy?
Regardless of the exponential progress science has bestowed, taking any kind of therapy is still a taboo. We still have miles to go to before normalizing these. Behaviour therapy for kids is nothing but plain counselling. It is a type of therapy that makes kids socially and emotionally intelligent besides overcoming behavioral challenges. The main focus is to modify behaviours from undesirable to desirable by following certain techniques. Before you start working on your kids, let us work on the basics through this blog post.
Rational vs. irrational Behaviour
Don’t straightaway jump on the decision to get therapies for your kids, unless you differentiate between what’s normal and what’s not. Observe these signals before jumping to any conclusion:
- Consistent Aggression- Being teachers or parents, the primary thing that needs to be done is observation. Observe keenly, not randomly. A few episodes of anger are normal and happen with almost every kid. They can have their share of disapproval, disagreement, and displeasure. However, if the aggression doesn’t stop even after continual efforts and positive reinforcement measures, steps need to be taken. These instances can turn out to be violent and unbearable.
- Zero Empathy- Humans are social animals. Only because we have been blessed with feelings like kindness, compassion and emotional intelligence, we are tagged as the supreme race. Yet, if you find your kid carrying zero empathy (something carried by almost every being), severe steps need to be taken. For example, if a child remains unaffected by the idea that his mother is howling or upset and he goes on repeating the same mistake.
- Self Harm- It is one of the biggest red flags to see in your child. Imagine a child banging hand on the glass. Self-harm is unignorable. Work patiently when observed the first time. During the repeated episodes, take immediate help. They might need your help to slow down and become calm, patient and compassionate.
These are the first red flags that will help any guardian to come to a decision mindfully. In order to maintain peace, you need to preach patience first. Remember equal blaring will only turn things worse than improve.
What Factors Contribute to Change in Child’s Behaviour?
- External Change- External factors play the biggest role in influencing a child negatively. Suppose you have moved country or city during the transferrable job. Your child (if overly attached to the previous atmosphere) will feel detached and hence behavioural change is inevitable. It can happen in some other cases too including separation from a friend, death of a loved one, or some feud in your home.
- Low Homely Atmosphere- Do you know that your children are the first ones to sense your sadness and isolation? If for some reason you are unhappy or lost at the moment, you will find an instant change in your child’s behaviour. For a happy child, put effort into making yourself happy first. Try to make their time with you the most memorable minus any worries.
- Overly pampering- It starts with love and ends in disappointment. If your child finds that he is getting treated in an indifferent way, things start changing. The best way to deal with it is to say NO. Don’t accept everything and anything they want. Show your disapproval wherever needed. Do it from the beginning, when they start understanding things.
3 Most Beneficial Behaviour Therapies for Kids
Firstly, when you think of consulting a doctor, don’t consider it as a full-fledged therapy. These techniques are fun games introduced to bring a change in your child’s behaviour.
- Positive Reinforcement- It is the most worked-out behaviour therapy for kids. The only ingredients used are patience, calmness and a positive mindset. The results exceed far more than other demanding techniques. For positive reinforcement to work, you have to reward your ward every time you notice a positive change. For example, if your child hates being social. After motivating and counselling, he is making efforts to make friends. Don’t let this feeling go to waste. Reward him in the best possible way. This practice will build a child’s mindset for the behaviours that are valued.
- Modelling- This is another valued technique used in behaviour therapy for kids. It works wonders for kids of almost every age. You can also call it imitation therapy. For this technique to work, the counsellor models desired behaviour by way of an act or scene. For instance, if your child is a victim of bullying. The concerned counsellor will teach him the ways to respond if it happens again. Not just therapists, but parents can also practice this technique at home. Model any desired behaviour. You will see them practising the same.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- This behaviour therapy for kids focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours. Your child doesn’t require any medical condition to take this therapy. It can be taken by anyone facing negative emotions. The technique helps the child to understand their thought patterns and the ways to replace them with positive thoughts. It inhibits impulsivity, defiance and tantrums. These sessions further help them to improve their self-image, and problem-solving skills, and practice more self-control.
- Effective Communication- Most behavioural problems arise because we develop communication gaps. Healthy communication is the key to solving many modern-day problems. If you start feeling something unusual in your kid’s behaviour, start observing your routine before you question your child. Most of the time children fail to process the gap created out of miscommunication. Just have a normal conversation and things will work out eventually.
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Tips to Followed by Parents
Behaviour therapy for kids is not just a counsellor’s job. Parents are equally responsible for taking initiative. Some of the tips that parents use include:
- Make some strict rules to follow at Home ( Regarding screens, outings, study time and others)
- Try to reduce the number of distractions
- Set Realistic goals.
- Limit your kid’s access to Luxuries ( We know you love them, it’s a necessity)
- Always plan a weekly schedule. ( Physical activities are a must)
- Show them the world as much as you can. ( It widens their thought)
- Follow some relaxation techniques ( Dance, Music, Meditation)
Takeaway
Everything can work out if you choose to stay positive. Your child can turn tables with your support and time.
Author Bio:
Amit Batra, the founder of AB Kids Life Coach, is a certified parenting coach dedicated to helping parents navigate their children’s emotional and behavioral challenges. Through his “Happy Parenting Model,” he believes in nurturing each child’s unique potential. Amit’s mission is to make parenting stress-free and empower every child to live a happy and fulfilling life.