Stay Strong:
Oh no you’re not! You better start thinking outside the box! You have to try to give them different foods, let them try them and see what they like. The fact of the matter is that, we are humans, and our taste buds ALWAYS change! It’s insane because you might hate fish like I did as a kid, but now I would rather just eat all types of seafood. The gamier the better, couldn’t STAND that taste when I was young. (The taste of the sea) was so yuck! Now I’m like bring it on baby!
The Other Approach:
When your toddler takes their plates and dodge it across the house, do not be alarmed! That’s their way of wanting attention, and really test those nice buttons of yours! Do not let them get the best of you, because I know you feeling roaring, but try to have some patience…mmk? mmgood!
Redirecting always works, trust me I have been there, and it is one of the most effective ways to navigate. What is redirecting you ask? Redirecting toddlers is an effective strategy to manage challenging behaviors and guide them towards appropriate activities. This technique involves gently steering a child’s attention away from undesirable behavior and towards a more acceptable alternative. For example, if a toddler is throwing toys, a caregiver might redirect them to a more constructive activity like building with blocks. Research has shown that response interruption and redirection can be an evidence-based practice for managing behaviors in young children. The concept of redirecting toddlers’ behavior doesn’t have a single inventor but has evolved over time through the contributions of various child development experts and educators. The technique is rooted in principles of positive reinforcement and behavior management, which have been studied and refined by psychologists and educators over the years.
One of the key figures in the development of behavior management techniques is B.F. Skinner, a renowned psychologist known for his work on operant conditioning. Skinner’s research on reinforcement and behavior modification has significantly influenced modern approaches to managing children’s behavior, including redirection.
The practice of redirecting behavior is widely used in early childhood education and parenting, and it continues to be supported by contemporary research and best practices in child development.
Solution to a Problem:
When my toddler decides not to eat anything I give her, I can end up with a starving child that only wants milk in a sippy or I could redirect and tell her “Hey want to help me cook this blank?”. She will and most toddlers will want to help, they want to feel like that they are little helpers, they feel like they are productive little humans in our amazing society. Humans can be such beautiful beings!
I hope you enjoyed this reading about reinforcement and redirecting. 🌟✨
Citings:
mybrightwheel.com
fpg.unc.edu
fpg.unc.edu
I hope this provides some insight into the origins of the redirection technique! 🌟✨
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