Redirecting Child Behavior: Positive Parenting Approaches
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
Redirecting child behavior is an essential skill learned in positive parenting for both parents and educators, especially when working with young children. By focusing on positive ways to address problem behavior, we can reduce power struggles, encourage more appropriate behavior, and promote healthy relationships.
Whether in a classroom or at home, understanding the importance of redirecting child behavior can make a significant difference in fostering a growth mindset and positive action. In this article, weโll explore techniques that help manage unwanted behavior and turn challenging moments into teachable opportunities.
Why Redirecting Child Behavior Matters
Redirecting a childโs behavior a crucial part of positive parenting is more than just discipline; itโs a proactive teaching strategy that encourages children to make better choices. Redirection helps avoid power struggles by shifting the focus of a childโs attention from negative behavior to more constructive actions.
According to experts in child development, redirection can โencourage positive behavior by giving children alternatives to their initial impulsesโ (Scholarsโ Journal on Child Development, 2021).
For young children, redirecting behavior promotes self-regulation, allowing them to learn valuable social skills and build positive relationships.
Types of Redirection Techniques
Different techniques can be used to redirect children’s behavior, each offering a positive way to help children learn and grow. Here are some of the most effective redirection techniques:
1. Verbal Redirection
Verbal redirection involves using clear instructions or simple cues to guide a child toward a positive alternative. For instance, if a child is engaging in inappropriate behavior, a teacher might say, โLetโs use our quiet voices,โ redirecting their focus without being punitive.
2. Physical Redirection
This involves gently guiding a child away from a situation or redirecting their attention with a soft touch. Physical redirection can also include placing children in a โcomfort cornerโ where they can calm down or take a deep breath before rejoining the group. This approach helps children handle big emotions and make better choices.
3. Visual Cues
Visual cues, such as a chart of classroom rules or a picture of desired outcomes, help children understand expectations. A visual reminder can prevent off-task behavior and reinforce positive actions in a non-confrontational way.
This type of charting does not only apply to the classroom but can apply to the home also. The supernanny (one of my favorite parenting teachers) always introduces house rules as the first point of call in changing behavior around the house
4. Proximal Attention
Proximal attention involves giving positive attention to children who are displaying desired behavior nearby. By focusing on childrenโs behavior that aligns with expectations it gently encourages others to follow suit without direct confrontation.
I know when one of my children says the prayer at night time, and I say “Wow, that was a great prayer,” the other wants to say one too.
Reflective Question:
- Which type of redirection technique do you think would be most effective in your environment, and why?
- How does redirecting behavior differ from traditional discipline approaches, and why is it more effective for young children?
Practical Strategies for Redirecting Child Behavior
Redirecting child behavior involves several proactive strategies, each designed to foster positive behavior and manage challenging situations in a constructive way.
Set Clear Expectations
Children thrive when they understand whatโs expected of them. Setting clear expectations for classroom behavior or home routines reduces the likelihood of problem behavior. Great teachers and parents frequently communicate these expectations, ensuring that children feel secure and aware of boundaries.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a valuable skill in redirecting behavior, as it encourages children to repeat desirable actions. By reinforcing positive behavior, children learn whatโs appropriate and begin focusing on positive relationships with adults and peers.
Offer Positive Alternatives
Instead of simply telling children what not to do, provide them with a positive alternative. For example, if a child displays aggressive behavior, redirect them by suggesting a more appropriate way to express themselves, such as using words or engaging in pretend play. This not only redirects unwanted behavior but also teaches emotional regulation.
Incorporate a Growth Mindset
Encourage children to view mistakes as learning opportunities, rather than failures. When children see redirection as a chance to make better choices, they develop a growth mindset and feel empowered to improve their behavior in a positive way.
Reflective Question
- How can you incorporate positive reinforcement and a growth mindset in your daily interactions with children?
Redirecting Behavior in the Classroom Setting
Classroom behaviors can be particularly challenging due to the group dynamics and the range of developmental stages among young children. Redirecting child behavior in a classroom requires a combination of proactive teaching strategies and clear classroom rules.
Establishing Good Routines
A predictable, structured routine helps children feel secure and reduces the chance of problem behavior. Consistency in classroom expectations creates a positive environment, allowing children to thrive.
Using Group Activities for Positive Behavior
Group activities can help redirect off-task or challenging behavior by involving the child in a new activity that captures their attention. Engaging them in a different activity, such as working on a group project or using carpet squares for structured play, can quickly shift their focus.
Modeling Appropriate Behavior
Children learn by example. Teachers who model positive behavior, effective communication, and emotional regulation provide children with valuable skills. When teachers show how to handle big feelings in a calm way, children learn to mirror these behaviors.
Reflective Question
- In what ways can teachers model the behavior they want to see in their students?
LDS Perspectives on Positive Behavior and Redirection
In LDS teachings, the focus on kindness, patience, and guiding children with love aligns closely with positive redirection strategies. LDS doctrine encourages caregivers to act with empathy and understanding, creating a โsafe spaceโ for children to learn and grow. Principles like treating others with respect and patience mirror effective redirection techniques, as children are taught to see their mistakes as opportunities for growth.
As President Thomas S. Monson once taught, โNever let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.โ This approach to redirecting behavior reminds us to prioritize a childโs feelings and well-being over any specific behavior. Through compassion, parents and teachers can redirect negative behavior in a way that builds trust and love.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Redirecting Behavior
Redirecting child behavior can sometimes feel difficult, especially when dealing with big emotions or challenging behaviors. Here are some common scenarios and suggestions for addressing them:
Power Struggles
Power struggles often arise when children feel theyโre not being heard or respected. To avoid power struggles, try offering choices within boundaries. This empowers children to make decisions while still guiding their actions.
Dealing with Aggressive Behavior
Redirecting aggressive behavior requires patience and empathy. Instead of reacting with frustration, calmly intervene and suggest alternative behaviors, such as taking a โgentle touchโ or stepping away to take a deep breath.
Handling Inappropriate Behavior
When faced with inappropriate behavior, give the child a simple instruction on what they can do instead. For example, if a child interrupts, say, โPlease wait until itโs your turn to speak.โ Redirecting with clear, gentle guidance teaches self-control.
Reflective Question
- What techniques can you use to avoid power struggles and encourage positive decision-making in children?
Conclusion
Redirecting child behavior is a valuable skill that encourages young children to make better choices, manage big emotions, and develop positive relationships. By using proactive teaching strategies, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement, parents and teachers can turn challenging behavior into teachable moments.
Embracing LDS teachings on kindness and empathy provides a spiritual foundation, guiding children to learn and grow in a compassionate environment. As we approach redirection with patience and understanding, we build stronger connections with children, helping them become resilient, confident individuals.
References
Andrea, S, et al. 2014. Wiley, Positive Parenting.