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Behavior Tips

Home Behavior Tips
If I Get Upset When I Get a Boo-boo

If I Get Upset When I Get a Boo-boo

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I get very upset when I fall or get a boo-boo, what I may be saying is, “I’m afraid my body is injured, too.” You can support me by being matter-of-fact. Reassure me that you will take care of…

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When I Throw a Tantrum

When I Throw a Tantrum

  • At Home

What I may be saying is, “I am frustrated! I want to do this, but I am not able,” or “I don’t know how to communicate what I am feeling to you.” Sometimes I might tantrum when I am tired…

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When I Am Fussy

When I Am Fussy

  • At Home

What I might be saying is, “I am feeling sick, or tired, or hungry.” I might be trying to tell you I am sad or mad, or just overwhelmed by everything going on around me. You can help me by…

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Visiting My Parent in the Hospital

Visiting My Parent in the Hospital

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I am getting ready to visit my parent in the hospital, I may be saying, “I want to be with my injured parent, but I need your support.” I may be a child who is easily overwhelmed or very…

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If I Squirm, Cry, or Fuss at the Hospital

If I Squirm, Cry, or Fuss at the Hospital

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I am in the hospital to visit my injured parent and I squirm, cry, or fuss, I may be saying, “I am hungry, tired, or I have been here too long and I need a break. The tension in…

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If I Am Restless at the Hospital

If I Am Restless at the Hospital

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I am in the hospital to visit my injured parent and I am restless, or start to get into things, what I may be saying is, “This is a little space with too many rules. I’m tired of ‘be…

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If I Hesitate with My Injured Parent

If I Hesitate with My Injured Parent

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I hesitate to look at or talk to my injured parent or, I shy away from touching, hugging, or kissing my injured parent, I may be saying, “It’s been a long time. I need time to reconnect.” You can support…

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If I Peek, Look Away, then Peek Again

If I Peek, Look Away, then Peek Again

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I peek at my injured parent in the hospital bed, then look away, then peek again, what I may be saying is, “I’m starting to reconnect.” You can support me by giving me time. I will let you know…

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When I Stare at Someone’s Scarred Face

When I Stare at Someone’s Scarred Face

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I stare at someone’s scarred face or prosthesis, what I may be saying is, “I’m trying to understand and learn about something that is new to me. I’m worried something like that might happen to me.” You can support…

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When I Ask a Question

When I Ask a Question

  • Hospital or Clinic

What I may be saying is, “I’m curious. I’m ready for more information.” You can support me by answering in simple words I can understand. “That machine helps Mommy breathe.”

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When I Look Sad or I’m Clingy

When I Look Sad or I’m Clingy

  • Deployed

I may be saying, “I miss my deployed parent, and it’s hard dealing with all of these changes.” You can support me by offering clear, simple words for what I may be feeling: “You look sad, are you missing Mommy?”…

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When I Play Pretend

When I Play Pretend

  • Hospital or Clinic

What I may be saying is, “I am trying to figure out what is happening. I am trying to get a sense of some control over all that is going on.” You can support me by joining in my play.…

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If I Want to Help My Injured Parent

If I Want to Help My Injured Parent

  • Hospital or Clinic

When I show interest, curiosity, or desire to help with caring for my injured parent, I may be saying, “I want to help. I like to feel confident and competent.” You can support me by giving me tasks I can…

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How I Learn to Regulate My Emotions

How I Learn to Regulate My Emotions

  • At Home

Did you know that I need to learn how to regulate my emotions before I can follow rules and understand limits? That’s right! And I don’t have the ability to calm myself when I am first born. I need you…

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How I Learn Self-Control

How I Learn Self-Control

  • At Home

I am growing and learning so many things so quickly! Yet, I am still so young. I still haven’t mastered the ability to control my emotions. That is something that began when I was born, but will continue to develop…

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How I Learn to Regulate My Emotions

How I Learn to Regulate My Emotions

  • At Home

I am growing and learning so many things so quickly! Yet, I am still so young. I still haven’t mastered the ability to control my emotions. That is something that began when I was born but will continue to develop…

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