Evidence-Based Strategies Handout

Use this handout as a quick reference to the five core strategies for improving your child’s compliance. Each section includes key tips and real-life examples.

1. Clear, Concise Instructions

Why It Works: Children follow through more reliably when instructions are simple and specific.

Tips:
• Use age-appropriate language and keep sentences short.
• Give one instruction at a time.
• Make eye contact and ensure your child is listening.
• Ask for acknowledgment (e.g., “Can you tell me what I asked?”).

Example:
Instead of: “Clean up your room and get ready for bed quickly,” say:
“Please put your books on the shelf. Then bring your pajamas to me.”

2. Positive Reinforcement

Why It Works: Immediate praise or rewards strengthen the likelihood of repeat behavior.

Tips:
• Praise the specific behavior (“Great job putting your shoes away!”).
• Use tangible rewards sparingly at first (stickers, tokens).
• Start with continuous reinforcement, then move to intermittent.
• Gradually fade rewards as the behavior becomes routine.

Example:
When your child completes homework without complaining, say:
“Fantastic focus! Here’s a star on your chart.”

3. Offering Limited Choices

Why It Works: Giving choices enhances a sense of control and cooperation.

Tips:
• Offer 2–3 acceptable options you can live with.
• Keep choices related to the task (not totally unrelated).
• Encourage decision-making without overwhelming.

Example:
“Would you like to brush your teeth first or put on pajamas first?”

4. Natural & Logical Consequences

Why It Works: Consequences tied to actions teach responsibility and cause–effect thinking.

Tips:
• Ensure consequences are directly related to the behavior.
• Keep consequences reasonable and predictable.
• Discuss consequences ahead of time so children know what to expect.

Example:
Natural: If your child forgets their snack at home, they feel hungry at school.
Logical: If they leave crayons on the floor, they help pick them up before free time.

5. Consistent Routines & Visual Cues

Why It Works: Predictable routines reduce confusion and resistance.

Tips:
• Create a daily schedule with pictures or icons.
• Use timers or alarms for transitions.
• Review the routine each morning together.
• Involve your child in checking off completed tasks.

Example:
Use a simple chart with icons for morning steps:
Wake up → Brush teeth → Get dressed → Breakfast → School bag packed.

Next Steps:
• Choose 1–2 strategies to practice this week.
• Note what went well and any challenges in your Child Compliance Tracking Chart.
• Bring observations to our next discussion to refine your approach.

Goal-Setting Template

Use this template to craft a SMART goal for improving your child’s compliance. Write clearly and refer back to this goal when developing your action plan.

Goal Statement

What is the overall behavior you want to improve?

SMART Criteria

Specific

What exactly will your child do? Who is involved? Where and when will it happen?

Measurable

How will you measure success? What quantity, frequency, or quality indicates goal attainment?

Achievable

Is the goal realistic? Do you have the resources and skills to support your child?

Relevant

Why is this goal important for your child and family? How does it align with broader objectives?

Time-Bound

By what date or within what timeframe will you achieve this goal? Specify milestones if needed.

Final SMART Goal

Combine the elements above into one concise statement:

"By [Date], my child will [Specific behavior] [Measurable criteria], supported by [Actions/strategies]."

Personalized Action Plan Worksheet

Use this worksheet to map your SMART goal to specific strategies, detailed steps, and a plan for monitoring progress. Fill in each section and keep this as your guide during implementation.

1. Restate Your SMART Goal

By [Date], my child will [Specific behavior] [Measurable criteria], supported by [Actions/strategies].

2. Selected Strategies

List 2–3 strategies you plan to use. For each strategy, describe how and when you'll apply it.

1. Strategy #1: _________________________________

How and when will you use this strategy?

2. Strategy #2: _________________________________

How and when will you use this strategy?

3. Strategy #3 (optional): _______________________

How and when will you use this strategy?

3. Action Steps

Outline the specific steps you and your child will take. Include start dates, contexts, and any materials needed.

• Step 1: ___________________________________________________________________
  Date/Time: ______________________
  
  
  

• Step 2: ___________________________________________________________________
  Date/Time: ______________________
  
  
  

• Step 3: ___________________________________________________________________
  Date/Time: ______________________
  
  
  
  

4. Monitoring & Tracking Progress

Describe how you'll use the Child Compliance Tracking Chart to record successes and challenges. Specify frequency and who records the data.

5. Potential Challenges & Solutions

Identify possible obstacles and brainstorm solutions.

• Challenge: ____________________________________ Solution: ____________________
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Challenge: ____________________________________ Solution: ____________________
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Notes & Adjustments

Use this section to note observations and refine your plan as needed.

Child Compliance Tracking Chart

Use this chart each day to record your child’s response to instructions. Note any prompts used, rewards given, and additional observations.

Guidance:

• Instruction Given: Briefly describe the direction you asked of your child.
• Complied?: Mark “Y” for yes, “N” for no.
• Prompt Level: Note if you gave no prompt, a verbal reminder, or physical assistance.
• Reward Given: Record any praise, token, or privilege you used immediately after compliance.
• Notes/Comments: Include any relevant context (mood, distractions, time of day).

Use this chart to track patterns and discuss successes or challenges when refining your Personalized Action Plan Worksheet.