Be alert to signs that behavior is escalating. Try to intervene quickly. Create a calm and soothing space in times of stress. Play soothing music, read to the child, lower the lights, and speak in a calm voice. De-escalating the crisis: Avoid a battle. Now is not the time to prove who’s in charge. This is not a question of authority; it is a situation where a child is rapidly losing control of his/her behavior and/or emotions. If the child is yelling, do not yell over the child. Appear calm and in control. If a child senses that you are out of control, this may increase their anxiety, and speed up the escalation of their behavior or emotions. Listen to the Use reflective listening to acknowledge their feelings of anger, hurt, or embarrassment…whatever that feeling is. Allow the child some personal space. Do not crowd the child; do not move quickly and do not touch the child. Set limits calmly and firmly with an expectation that the child will comply. Ask the child what s/he needs to feel better. Do not demand that the child make eye contact. Use problem-solving to help the child find a solution.
Be alert to signs that behavior is escalating. Try to intervene quickly. Create a calm and soothing space in times of stress. Play soothing music, read to the child, lower the lights, and speak in a calm voice. De-escalating the crisis: Avoid a battle. Now is not the time to prove who’s in charge. This is not a question of authority; it is a situation where a child is rapidly losing control of his/her behavior and/or emotions. If the child is yelling, do not yell over the child. Appear calm and in control. If a child senses that you are out of control, this may increase their anxiety, and speed up the escalation of their behavior or emotions. Listen to the Use reflective listening to acknowledge their feelings of anger, hurt, or embarrassment…whatever that feeling is. Allow the child some personal space. Do not crowd the child; do not move quickly and do not touch the child. Set limits calmly and firmly with an expectation that the child will comply. Ask the child what s/he needs to feel better. Do not demand that the child make eye contact. Use problem-solving to help the child find a solution.
Participant%20Manual%20-%20Session%207.docx