Skills Training

It's important to teach kids very specifically how you expect them to behave, how to cope with strong emotions, and how to interact with others respectfully.  They don't come with that knowledge built-in!  

Some  kids pick up on these things naturally through observations and redirection, but others (like mine) can benefit from a more direct approach.  

During the challenge, you'll pick out one skill each week to learn and practice as a family.  These skills can include:  

Respectfully disagreeing.

Respectfully requesting something.

Using manners at the dinner table.  

Positive time-out (going to a safe, comfortable place to regroup when upset).

Self-soothing techniques (breathing, taking a foot bath, curling up in a blanket, looking at a favorite book, playing a musical instrument, etc)    

Doing what you can with what you've got.  

Respecting others during church.  

Sharing.

Respecting others' boundaries. 

Focusing on one task at a time.
Completing overwhelming tasks.  

Identifying and regulating emotions.  

Being a good friend.  

Going shopping without whining, begging, or wandering off.  

Resolving conflicts.  

There are others.  Whatever you can identify as a skill your family needs to work on.  I recommend introducing the skill during your weekly family meeting and then reinforcing it throughout the week.