In this process, we have taken the important steps needed for the development of a positive behavior support plan. So far in the Positive Behavior Support blog series, we have:
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Mother’s day gives us the opportunity to honor all women who care for their children. In most dictionaries, the word “Mother” is defined as a female parent. It’s such a bland definition when you think about what it truly means to us, even if it varies slightly from person to person. This is because the definition only recounts the mere act of giving birth. For many of us, it’s the years following the miracle of birth that captures the essential nature of motherhood.
Part 4: Analyzing Data and Goal Setting - What did we learn?
It was time to gather all the information collected from our PBS team members and begin analyzing the data. Some members of our PBS team were diligent about collecting data and information for two consecutive weeks. I gathered information received from Richie’s ESE teacher, PE teacher and myself. I didn’t collect data and information from all members of the PBS team, but remember we mentioned in Part 3 that even if this happened, we can continue to move forward with the PBS process. The information I did have was plenty for us to review and analyze. All of the forms, information and data we collected were going to help us understand Richie’s behavior. We were going to begin taking the next steps towards creating a successful positive behavior support plan that would work at home and at school.
Gathering Information and Data Collection
In order for us to learn about how we can improve Richie’s challenging behavior, we need to start gathering information and collecting data. This is the most important part of the positive behavior support process, because it’s going to help us to decide on what goals to set, how to avoid certain behaviors from happening, what strategies to use when behaviors happen, what new skills we want to teach, and how we can manage behaviors. This is a crucial part of developing the PBS plan.
What is PBS and Who Needs to be Involved?
The differences in my parenting style between my two children are paramount. I learned quickly that the strategies and disciplinary actions used with my oldest, Samantha (who has no known disabilities), were useless with Richie. Thinking about it now, the strategies I used with Samantha were useless too. I used things taught to me culturally through my own family (spanking, yelling and punishing), then later I tried new strategies like “time-out.” Some strategies worked, most didn’t. How truly successful were my strategies if Samantha’s behaviors continued?
Introducing Richie
Being a parent to my son Richie changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. Richie is my fourteen-year-old son and second child. Richie is on the severe side of the autism spectrum. He is very handsome, tall, has a gorgeous smile and a contagious laugh. He loves to laugh and he finds it most amusing when we repeat the many sounds he makes. Richie loves to play tag - but he loves being chased, he won’t chase you back! He loves to be tickled and he’s kind of thrill seeker. He loves quite a few roller-coaster rides – Universal Studios is his favorite theme park to visit. My son is my joy in this world, but having a child on the spectrum does come with its challenges.
You’re planning to celebrate Thanksgiving, but parents of children with special needs know better than anyone that celebrations like these require a little extra planning for those unexpected, or shall I write – expected tantrums! Let’s focus on preparing for, and avoiding those challenging behaviors. Let’s try to replace them with new traditions and fun activities.
It’s natural for children with special needs to only want to engage in preferred activities. Who wants to exercise when they can relax and play with their phone or iPad? It may take a little creativity and positive reinforcement, but we have to try to include a healthy balance of exercise, good nutrition, and community engagement. I know it's easier said than done, believe me. I started taking small steps to help our family with developing better eating habits and adding more exercise to our daily routines. Even the smallest changes can make a huge difference. We replaced high sugar drinks with water, added more fruits, vegetables and salads to our meals, and we try not to snack late at night.
Who doesn’t love storytelling? Whether we tell them, listen to them, or read them, we all love to learn of new and interesting things through storytelling. Literature is an important element of our culture, expression, and all aspects of daily living. Children love listening to and sharing stories. However, many children avoid reading because they struggle with:
Back to School Resources for Parents of Children Struggling with Attention and Focus Issues.9/3/2015
In today’s modern world of technology and jam-packed schedules, families are spending increasingly less quality time together. One of the best opportunities to bond with your child is through cooking. Not only is it important for children to learn their way around the kitchen, but an introduction to culinary arts can promote learning and increasing critical thinking skills. All children with varying abilities can be given a variety of cooking tasks to complete successfully, while having fun in the kitchen.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. Since the start of a new school year is quickly approaching, many parents have been asking me for my list of “Best Schools” across the state. The truth is there is no “best school.” I have heard great success stories and just as many disappointing stories across all learning settings.
Many families with more than one child, has at least one who doesn’t want to eat. It’s a family phenomenon that has been driving moms and dads everywhere mad for decades. Unless you lace every food item with chocolate icing (and even then, your child will just lick off the chocolate and leave the real food in- tact), they’re not hungry. For children, mealtime is intrusive of their playtime, so of course, they don’t need to eat! Get ready for the heavy sighs and angry faces if what’s on the menu doesn’t entice your children’s world record setting small appetites!
Parent Involvement has certainly taken on a different look over the years. Years ago, an involved parent meant that you attended every school meeting and function, you were an active member of the PTA, you volunteered as a chaperon on field trips, and maybe you raised the most money in fund-raising events at your child’s school. If these were the standards for parent involvement twenty years ago, then I failed miserably my first time around with my oldest.
From the moment your child is born, you learn instantly that your life is no longer your own. You live to nurture, teach, and protect your child. Every day from then on is based on your insuring their being healthy, safe, and happy. Your life is filled with love, hope and worry. For parents of children with disabilities, our hopes and worries are amplified by a thousand times, as we are never truly at peace in the absence of our children. Every day is faced with different challenges across all settings, all people, and varying circumstances. Every day, our strength, patience, and other virtues are tested in different ways. I share with you my everyday prayer:
Doctors heal, educators teach, and police officers protect. A parent’s role in their child’s life embodies all the skills of the occupations mentioned, but a parent’s love is one of the most valuable treasures in a child’s life. If you back a parent up into a corner, when it comes to insuring their child is safe and loved, you might as well be challenging a grizzly bear. If you’re not sure where I’m going with this, then please allow me to enlighten you with a literary stroll that chronicles the extraordinary outcomes of impassioned parents who, when it came to protecting their children, they didn’t take “no” for an answer. Parents, when they are well informed and have mastered the art of effective communication, are super advocates that can ignite systemic change faster than the spread of a wild forest fire.
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Author: Christine Goulbourne
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