Expert Tips

1. Plan time to work on skills. This means that if you are working on teaching your child to stay with you in line at the grocery store, plan to practice the skill when you are not busy shopping for the family. Instead, take your child to the store when you have time to focus on teaching and are not preoccupied with other obligations. Working with your child during these planned times should be your priority and main focus.





2. Plan for the unknown. This means keeping an emergency backpack in your car with your child's favorite snacks, drinks, and toys. Also pack a change of clothes in case of a spill. This way, when you have to make an unplanned stop or have unexpected delays, you can keep your child occupied and happy, and ward off any tantrums.





3. Keep a reward stash. This means stuffing your purse or pockets with a handful of toys, trinkets, or candies that your child loves. Give these to your child every time you catch them being good and tell them how good they are. Rewarding good on-going behavior can keep your child happily doing the right thing, leaving less time for bad behavior.