Change is a difficult process for most of us, child or adult. Sometimes it is necessary to break change into steps to make the process less overwhelming. Students can be taught new ways of responding to difficult situations. The goal is to replace inappropriate behaviours with more acceptable ways to respond to a given situation. Replacement behaviours are modeled for them. When conflict or problems arise, students are encouraged and cued to use these replacement behaviours. The more these new behaviours are used, the more embedded they become. Soon, the maladaptive ways of responding to conflict and problems are replaced with more appropriate ways of responding to similar situations. It is important to measure the student's use of these new behaviours, and to recognize and celebrate any signs of improvement.
EXAMPLE
A child who hits when frustrated will be taught to replace that behaviour with words, and then taught to think the words in their head ... ultimately the goal is to help them to experience the appropriate emotions that should accompany frustration.
Teach Replacement Behaviours to Students
The Power of Attachment:
School Success for Troubled Kids