Dear Parents,

We know you love your child, we know you do, but don't let the look of confusion or the blow ups leed you to believe your child won't heed to structure or being corrected. However there are ways to prevent the meltdowns!

Schedules are Key

Part of setting structure is have a consistent schedule for everything. This schedule should include everything you want them to do and the things they like to do. Posting that schedule on the wall where it is visible and can be referred to will help with reinforcement.

Give them some room for independence

Provide your child opportunities for independence. Buy things that will support those things you know they struggle with that will allow them to move past that step and accomplish tasks you never thought they could. Get simple products that they can operate independently and let them.

Physical Discipline

Physical discipline is never encouraged. It can be taken as hostility as opposed to care and concern and will increase the aggression of your child. Your child will be far more hurt and willing to change if you tell them you are disappointed in their behavior than you could ever do with physical discipline.

Positive Reinforcement

Having a consistent reward/consequence system for your child will help to reinforce the positive behaviors and decrease/terminate the negative behaviors. This can be used hand in hand with the schedule you create.

Stand your ground

Reinforcement is key, but so is consistency. It is important that you stick to what you say and that all adults involved in your child's life are on the same page. Miscommuications leaves room for manipulation AND instability in the environment of the child. Consistency and repetition are key to stability of the child.

Take Breaks

You come first! As important as teh care of your child is, remember you are thir foundation. No house stands tall without a good foundation to stand on. Take care of yourself first, so that you can be your best you, for them!