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Investing Time Positively Earlier Rather Than Negatively Later
Introduction:
This week, we’ll focus on investing time early to prevent challenging behavior later. By anticipating difficulties, putting feelings into words, and being flexible with routines, we can help our children navigate emotions more smoothly.
Task 1: Predicting Difficulties
1. Think of a situation where your child often struggles (e.g., transitions, new environments, routine changes).
What are their common triggers, and how could you anticipate them?
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​2. Write a letter to yourself from your child’s point of view. What might they say if they could clearly express their feelings about this challenging situation?
Task 2: Helping Your Child Put Feelings into Words
1. Reflect on a recent moment when your child acted out. How could you help them put their feelings into words instead of acting out with difficult behavior?
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2. How can you guide your child in expressing their emotions using clear language during similar future situations?
Task 3: Understanding Routine and Flexibility
1. Think about a time when your child became upset because a routine changed unexpectedly (e.g., a different way home, a new bedtime routine).
How could you have given them advance warning or explanation to help them adjust?
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2. What steps can you take to help your child be more flexible with routines while respecting their need for stability?
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Final Reflection
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1. How has this lesson changed your perspective on how to invest time positively with your child?
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2. What steps will you take to help your child express their feelings and adjust to routine changes more smoothly?
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Progress Tracker
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Use this section to evaluate your progress in investing time early to help your child manage emotions and adjust to changes.
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Quantitative Tracking
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1. How often did you anticipate and prevent difficult situations for your child this week?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 2
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( ) 5
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2. How often did you help your child put their feelings into words instead of reacting with difficult behavior?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
( ) 1
( ) 2
( ) 3
( ) 4
( ) 5
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3. How confident do you feel about helping your child be flexible with routines while respecting their need for stability?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):
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( ) 2
( ) 3
( ) 4
( ) 5
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Qualitative Tracking
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1. What was the most important insight you gained from reflecting on your child’s emotions and routines this week?
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​2. How did focusing on your child’s feelings change the way you helped them navigate transitions or frustrating moments?