Behavior Management for Foster Care Providers Rachel J. Valleley, Ph.D. Munroe-Meyer Institute University of Nebraska Medical Center

Teaching Children Important Behavioral Skills Rachel J. Valleley, Ph.D. Muroe-Meyer Institute University of Nebraska Medical Center

Overview Why is it important to teach behavioral skills Teaching good behavior (break) Responding to bad behavior

Creating a High Contrast Problem #1: –Child doesn’t notice a difference or contrast

Creating a High Contrast Solution: –Use less talk for bad behavior

Creating a High Contrast Problem #2: –Too little “effect” for good behavior

Creating a High Contrast Solutions: –Use brief, frequent “bursts” of attention for “everyday” appropriate behavior –Play the Child’s Game

The Child’s Game Don’t –Discipline –Request –Question Do –Touch –Praise –Describe

Responding to bad behavior Consequences –Natural –Related –Unrelated

Time-Out: Misconceptions/Mistakes Have to sit quietly One minute per year Think about what they did wrong Feel sorry for what they did It’s punishment Looking/talking to child while in time out Not expecting an extinction burst Not practiced enough Not predictable No contrast