Our children are quick to learn what behaviors get their needs met… Think about it🤔 Antecedent (trigger): I want something Behavior (what I do/say): Whining Consequence (the response): Parent says, “What do you want?” Pretty effective, right? In those moments our kids learn that “crying/whining produces something for me and gets my needs met. I’ll do that again in the future the next time I want something.” Instead, teach your child a replacement behavior that serves the same exact function as crying/whining— just have them say you name! That’s it! And that is easier than whining! Score! HOWEVERRRR… IF you know what your child wants, skip that step and just prompt them to say the name of the item/activity. This is a valuable skill to teach early. Without it, toddlers often default to whining to communicate, reinforcing that habit over time. PS: If you were wondering what Grace (14 months) had to tell me in the video, it was “poon” (she wanted to show me her spoon). My Practical Parenting: No Fluff, Just Results course has a module on teaching your child to communicate that is specific for babies and toddlers. Have a child who is a little older but just asks for things using challenging behavior? There’s a module on that, too! DM me “READY” if you’re prepared to help your child communicate without relying on challenging behaviors to get their needs met. #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #behavior #parenting #parentsofinstagram #positiveparenting #parentingtips #parents #languagemilestones #behaviormanagement #parentsupport #momssupportingmoms #language #momsofinstagram #parenttraining #parent #bcba #babytalk #parentingishard #parentcoach #toddlertantrums #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #behavioranalysis #behavioranalyst #behaviors #parentingjourney #parentsbelike #teachersofinstagram #parenthood #parentsoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #babiesoftiktok

Here’s what Sophia is NOT going to do ⤵️ Me: “Well, if you listened the first time I wouldn’t have to repeat myself.”  Sophia: “Excellent point, Mom! In the future, I will be sure to listen immediately the first time you ask!”  One of my favorite authors, Glen Latham once said, “Unless what you are about to say or do has a high probability of making things better, don’t say it and don’t do it.”   Responding to Sophia when she talked back would have done absolutely nothing to help the situation and, in fact, would have simply reinforced her behavior, as there is nothing more valuable than parental attention. In the end, Sophia ended up doing what I asked her to. I know this is extremely mild behavior, but these are the kinds of moments that, if we focus on– can easily get shaped into more challenging issues in the future.  What’s the moral of the story? Be slow to pay attention to behavior that gets under your skin. It comes with the territory of growing up and when left alone, will usually fade away with time due to lack of attention.  And remember, nothing is more valuable than your attention. Our children adjust their behavior based on what we value, prioritize, and focus on. Comment READY if you are prepared for easier days without the power struggles. #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #behavior #parenting #parentsofinstagram #positiveparenting #parentingtips #toddlers #toddlersofinstagram #parentsupport #momssupportingmoms #momsofinstagram #parenttraining #parent #bcba #rbt #parentcoach #toddlertantrums #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #behavioranalysis #behavioranalyst #behaviors #parentingjourney #parentsbelike #parenthood #parentsoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #kidsoftiktok

Let me fill you in on one little secret every parent should know ⤵️ Instead of saying, “Use your words,” “Ask me nicely,” or making your child use a full sentence like, “Mommy, can you please get me some chips?” tell them exactly what to say. Teaching replacement behaviors must be easier or require the same effort as the problem behavior. And behaviors like whining, saying “No!!!!!” or hitting are prettttayyyyy prettttayyyyy easy for a child to do. If we make the replacement behavior too effortful, they will resort back to the problem behavior, and no one wants that 🙄 👎. The examples above can draw out the situation by delaying access to what your child wants AAANND bring attention to the challenging behavior. When we tell our children exactly what to say, we make it effortless for them. So DM me READY and I’ll tell you the exact strategy my clients use like… 💬 Lindsey, who said “instead of reacting to our son’s frustration, he is learning positive alternatives, and he’s learning to communicate the right way instead of challenging behavior.” 👏C, who said, “I was really worried about my 29-month-old toddler’s tantrums, whining, and constant screaming. However, after learning exactly what to say and do, those concerns are completely gone. Now, I see so much positive change in my son’s behavior, especially when he expresses himself without crying or whining, and I feel so much more confident as a parent. It’s been a total transformation for me. Thank you!” Syreeta who said, “I’m slowly making my way through the course but started implementing your tools the VERY FIRST DAY and saw results! So grateful for the information you provide!” #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #behavior #parenting #parentsofinstagram #positiveparenting #parentingtips #toddlers #toddlersofinstagram #behaviormanagement #parentsupport #momssupportingmoms #momsofinstagram #parenttraining #parent #bcba #rbt #parentcoach #toddlertantrums #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #behavioranalysis #behavioranalyst #behaviors #parentingjourney #parentsbelike #parenthood

Parent: My kids refuse to listen to ANYTHING! Me: Do they know what your expectations are? Parent: I think so. Me: Well, did you tell them? Parent: No. That's a common exchange I have with parents (and teachers!). But here’s the thing: more often than not, we think our kids should JUST KNOW what to do because it’s common sense, but guess what? There's a good chance they don't! And don't get me wrong—I used to assume the same thing before I learned about behavior analysis. Why do I have to be explicit about what I expect?! Are you serious? What a waste of time. Let me reframe your thinking here: the amount of time you think you are losing in clearly communicating your expectations and consequences, you will lose when your child doesn't follow them, and now you have to spend even more time managing the aftermath of their behavior. Think of it as an investment in smoother interactions and less chaos. ➡️ DM me TOOLKIT for a free mini-crash course video on 4 things every parent must know to make their life easier. #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #behavior #parenting #parentsofinstagram #positiveparenting #parentingtips #toddlers #toddlersofinstagram #behaviormanagement #parentsupport #momssupportingmoms #momsofinstagram #parenttraining #parent #bcba #rbt #parentcoach #toddlertantrums #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #behavioranalysis #behavioranalyst #behaviors #parentingjourney #parentsbelike #parenthood

This is one of our favorite morning meeting activities! This game is also perfect for preschool or kindergarten centers to help build phonemic awareness in a fun and interactive way— I even had to buy one for home—my daughters love playing school with it.  #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #teachersofinstagram #teacher #teaching #speech #teachersofig #teachersofinsta #elementaryteacher #sped #specialed #specialeducation #specialeducationteacher #specialeducator #communication #newteacher #teachertips #teachertraining #teachersupport #morningmeeting #behavioranalysis #teachersbelike #phonemicawareness #positiveparenting #siblinglove #parenting #teachersoftiktok #parentsoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #kidsoftiktok #Joycat #joycattoys #joycateducationaltoys #joycatlearningtoys @Joycatofficial