March Nanny Training Recap

Preventing and Responding to Problem Behavior

This month, we finished up our three-part nanny training series on child behavior with a class called  Preventing and Responding to Problem Behaviors. This class built upon information that we presented in January and February.

In our March class, nannies learned many strategies to prevent a variety of problem behaviors based on the function (the need or want) that the child is trying to meet through the behavior. We discussed ways to prevent problem behaviors that served the functions of: getting something or getting attention, avoiding a non-preferred task or transition, as well as sensory seeking and sensory avoiding problem behaviors. We gave suggestions of skills that they can teach the child ahead of time, such as asking for help, asking for a brief break, and calming strategies, that the child can use to avoid getting to the point of meltdown. 

For example, some strategies we suggested to avoid problem behaviors for a child who struggles with transitions:
Offer warning time before the transition, so the child is able to mentally prepare themselves and wrap up what they are doing. Use visual timers, so the child can see how much time until the transition happens. Using a daily visual schedule, transition song, and teaching the child how to ask for a couple minutes to finish up what they are doing can head off some problem behaviors around transitions as well.
For more ideas on preventing problem behaviors, please check out our handouts, available below.

While the strategies we presented will head off many problem behaviors, some are inevitable as children learn and grow. We taught a three-part response that will help the nannies avoid reinforcing problem behaviors while making them less likely to occur again in the future. 
This three-part response is: 

1. Always ensure safety!

   1. Safety is always our #1 priority

2. Make this time boring

   1. In previous classes, we discussed the idea of the nanny making themselves the “oasis” in the desert. This means arranging the home in a way that all toys and entertainment can be easily removed when a problem behavior is occurring (the desert), and importantly, that the nanny engages with the child in playful ways for the majority of their interactions (the oasis). 

   2. Once this is established, when a problem behavior arises, the nanny can simply make the environment a boring one by removing all toys and entertainment, and removing their attention, to the extent that it is safe to do so. 

3. Wait for them to calm

   1. When the child is “out in the desert of no fun”, they will likely begin to approach the nanny (the oasis of fun). This is the time that the nanny can calmly redirect the child to the appropriate behavior. 

   2. The nanny can quietly model calming strategies during this time as well

When the problem behavior is over, and the child is calm, that is the time to make things right. If a mess was made, that is the time that the child can clean up the mess. If the child was originally asked to do something, that is the time to get that task done. This is also the time for the nanny to discuss the situation with the child, and begin to teach them a more appropriate way to meet their need or want next time. 
After this, things go back to normal. No need for punishment or grudge holding. The goal is to teach appropriate behaviors, and avoid reinforcing problem behaviors, and that will be an ongoing process. 

All of these strategies can be used by all adults in the child’s life, not just the nanny. In fact, when all adults are on the same page, the child will be able to learn the appropriate behavior that much faster! Throughout the class, we discussed the importance of ongoing and open communication between nanny and parents. Sometimes, a daily communication journal or app can make this easier for busy families. Additionally, we identified two specific topics that are especially important to discuss prior to starting any behavioral intervention. 

The first topic is the existence of extinction bursts. This is simply the phenomenon that in the beginning, problem behaviors will likely get worse before they get better. This is a well-studied occurrence in behavioral science, and should be expected. The reason this happens is because what worked for the child to meet a need in the past, is no longer working. The child will try other, more varied and more extreme behaviors to try to get the same result. This is temporary, and by not reinforcing this behavior coupled with teaching a more appropriate way to meet the need, these behaviors will likely decrease quickly. Without knowledge of extinction bursts, many reasonable people would assume that the increase in problem behaviors means that plan is not working, but now you know it is just the early stages of positive behavior change. 

The second important topic is planned ignoring. This is part of making the environment boring and waiting out the child’s problem behavior. It can be hard to determine if the nanny needs help, or if they are practicing planned ignoring if you have just walked into a situation. 

Imagine you just came home from work. Your four year old is tantruming, and the nanny is across the room changing the baby’s diaper. Do they need your help? Should you step in and see what is wrong? Or is the nanny practicing planned ignoring, in which case approaching the child at that moment may just undo what they were working so hard to achieve. We suggested developing a “secret signal” among all adults in the child’s life to communicate if the situation is under control, or if help is needed. A simple thumbs up or thumbs down can communicate this quickly. 
Finally, don’t forget to reinforce each other! This child rearing business is hard work - especially when trying out new strategies. Let the adults in your child’s life - your spouse, the nanny, extended family - know when you notice them doing a great job. 

When we interview nannies, we always ask them what makes them feel appreciated, and the most frequent answer is “words of affirmation”, so don’t forget to tell your nannies when they do something that you appreciate, and hopefully they will do the same!