Family
The link between families and positive behavioral interventions and supports is an important one. When families are meaningfully involved in educational activities their children do better in schools. Families play an important part in their child's education and social development.
What can I do to help with PBIS?
- Review the behavior expectations with your child.
- Ensure that your child is well rested and on time for each school day.
- Ask your child about his/her school day.
- Encourage your child to do his/her homework and keep up with his/her classes.
- Stay in contact with your child's teacher(s).
- Encourage your child to use proper language and tone.
- Practice polite phrases like "Thank you," "Please," and "Excuse me."
- Incorporate Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe into your family rules.
- Be involved with the school. Attend school functions and activities when possible.
- Volunteer.
Expected Behavior at Home
Different homes may have different sets of expectations. Whatever you decide is right for your home, it is important to set the expectations and then follow through. To help you get started here are a few tips other families use:
Example #1 | Use positive wording
When misbehavior occurs offer positive alternatives instead of harsh criticism.
Negative Reaction Positive Alternative
Don’t run. Walk.
Stop yelling. Use your inside voice.
No playing catch inside. Play catch out in the yard.
Example #2 | Be a teacher
If you have to say no, give a reason why.
Scenario: While shopping your child asks you to buy him a toy. He already has toys and you are short on time. You tell your child “No, we cannot buy that toy today. You already have a toy in the car to play with on the way home.”
If your child accepts your answer make sure to compliment him.
Example #3 | Reward positive behavior
Use positive reinforcement to teach children what actions are accepted and desired. Rewards don’t need to cost a thing. Try sitting down with your child to find out what rewards would work best.
- Ask your child to make a list of the things they enjoy like going to the park or getting ice cream together. This will help you determine what they are motivated by.
- Create a special "reward" basket of toys that you already own, but they only get to play with when they have shown what was expected. You can do this with stickers as well to earn the basket of toys.
- Create a menu of rewards, such as special dinners, special desserts, computer time, game night, watching extra TV, extra book time, etc.
- Create celebration dances or songs.
- Create a system of recognition. If one of your expectations is that your child will do chores each week, create a board that lists each chore. When your child has completed a chore, use a sticker to mark it complete. At the end of the week, give a reward if all chores are complete. Consider choosing a reward from the list your child made of things they enjoy!