The current quarantine can easily frustrate both parents and children. The Therapy Gym has a behavioral therapy team of behaviorists and paraprofessionals/ABA therapists who work with children and parents to help minimize unwarranted behaviors and increase desired behaviors. We would like to offer tips to help alleviate some of the frustrations that may occur in the current home environment.
1. Routines. Kids thrive with a routine, so having a set routine and allowing your child to help decide the routine will help with compliance. Writing out the order of the routine with either words or pictures and placing it in a visible place will help ensure they follow it.
2. Problem Solving. If siblings are engaged in a disagreement, encourage them to find a resolution to the problem on their own, which will help them solve conflicts as they grow older. If you have to get involved, try not to choose sides, but rather ask questions that will help them figure out a solution on their own.
3. Modeling desired behavior. Teach your child how to calm down when they are upset or frustrated by showing them how you cope in frustrating situations. “Mommy is really frustrated right now. Help me calm down by taking five deep breaths with me.” This teaches your child a coping mechanism for when they might become upset or frustrated.
4. Validating your child’s feelings. Reflect content, acknowledge the emotion and communicate acceptance. If your child is upset or angry about something, try to validate his/her feelings by letting him/her know that you understand the feeling by paraphrasing how they feel. Then label the emotion they are feeling like “that sounds frustrating,” or “it sounds like you are worried.” Then accepting their feelings by saying “I understand why you would feel that way,” or “it can be upsetting when that happens.”
Implementing some or all of these strategies will lend itself to a calmer home environment and more successful children.
The Therapy Gym, owned by Dr. Elisheva Fuchs, is the leading pediatric therapy center in Bergen County. The Therapy Gym provides physical, occupational, speech, behavioral and aquatic therapy as well as many classes for kids. Only the best, highly skilled and trained therapists work at the gym to help each child reach his or her potential. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, call The Therapy Gym at 201-357-0417 or email [email protected]. You can also follow The Therapy Gym on Instagram and Facebook to learn more tips.
