Conversation Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards during the role-play session. Each card describes a common challenging situation. Caregivers practice using respectful communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, and the ABC framework to respond.

1. Morning Routine Refusal

Scenario: You ask your 7-year-old to get dressed for school. They stomp their feet, cross their arms, and say, “I’m not going today!” and refuse to change clothes.

Questions to Guide Your Response:

• What antecedent could you adjust to prevent this reaction?
• How might you use an I-statement to express your needs?
• Which de-escalation technique could help calm the situation?

2. Homework Shutdown

Scenario: Your 10-year-old is sitting at the table but says, “I can’t do this math, it’s stupid!” and pushes the worksheet away, tears up on the verge of tears.

Guiding Prompts:

• What feeling might you reflect back using active listening?
• How can you break the task into smaller steps (antecedent modification)?
• Which consequence could you offer that feels fair and supportive?

3. Sibling Toy Snatch

Scenario: Two siblings (ages 5 and 8) are playing. The younger child grabs a toy from the older one, who yells “Give it back!” and pushes the sibling.

Discussion Points:

• How can you intervene to de-escalate without taking sides?
• What I-statement could you use to set boundaries?
• How could you involve both children in a solution?

4. Bedtime Battle

Scenario: Your 4-year-old begs for “one more story” after lights-out. When you say no, they scream, “You’re mean!” and start crying loudly.

Reflection Questions:

• Which antecedent (routine) might you introduce to ease transition?
• How could you validate their feeling before setting the limit?
• What de-escalation technique would you try if they continue to cry?

5. Mealtime Throwdown

Scenario: At dinner, your 6-year-old refuses to eat vegetables, tosses peas across the table, and yells, “I hate peas!”

Considerations:

• What ABC consequence could be more constructive than grounding screen time?
• How might you use curiosity (“I wonder why…”) to open dialogue?
• What positive routine could you create around mealtimes?

6. Leaving the Park Tantrum

Scenario: You tell your 3-year-old it’s time to go home from the park. They fall to the ground screaming, “No, more swing!” and refuse to stand.

Points to Discuss:

• How can you prepare them earlier (antecedent) for the transition?
• What calm-down strategy can you offer (deep breathing, countdown)?
• How could you use an I-statement to share your own needs?

Respectful Behavior De-Escalation Handout

Use this worksheet alongside the workshop materials (Respectful Behavior Toolbox Slides and Conversation Scenario Cards). Reflect on the techniques below and plan how you’ll apply them at home.

Part 1: Key De-Escalation Techniques

1. Stay Calm
   • Breathe slowly and speak in a soft, steady tone.
   • Model the calm behavior you want your child to follow.

2. Offer a Break
   • Invite your child to take a moment (“Let’s step aside for a minute”).
   • Use a neutral activity (deep breaths, a quick stretch).

3. Use Empathy
   • Acknowledge feelings: “I can see you’re upset.”
   • Validate without giving in: “It’s hard when….”

4. Redirect Attention
   • Shift focus to a preferred activity (“Can you help me with…?”).
   • Provide a concrete task or choice.

5. Empower with Choices
   • Offer limited, acceptable options (“Would you like to put on your shoes or your jacket first?”).
   • Helps children feel some control.

Part 2: Reflection & Action Planning

1. Describe a recent challenging behavior scenario.
   What happened, and how did it unfold?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Select 2–3 techniques above you will practice.
   For each, explain why you chose it and how you’ll use it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Identify potential barriers.
   What might get in your way of using these techniques, and how will you prepare?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Action Steps for This Week.
   List two concrete steps you will take to practice and reinforce these strategies at home.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Support & Accountability.
   Who can you share your plan with for encouragement and feedback?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Keep this handout accessible and revisit it after trying your action steps. Celebrate small successes and adjust your plan as needed to build a more respectful, cooperative home environment!

Role-Play Feedback Checklist

Use this checklist to observe each role-play and provide constructive feedback on respectful behavior strategies.

Observer Name: ____________________ Scenario #: ________

1. Communication Strategies

• Active Listening:
  [ ] Gave full attention (eye contact, open posture)
  [ ] Reflected child’s feelings
  [ ] Validated child’s perspective
  Notes: ____________________________________________
  
  
  

• I-Statements:
  [ ] Used “I feel ___ when you ___ because ___” structure
  [ ] Focused on own feelings, not blame
  Notes: ____________________________________________
  
  
  

2. ABC Framework

• Antecedent:
  [ ] Noticed and addressed what happened before behavior
• Behavior:
  [ ] Accurately described child’s action
• Consequence:
  [ ] Offered a respectful, logical outcome
  Notes: ____________________________________________
  
  
  

3. De-escalation Techniques

• Stayed calm (tone, breathing)
• Offered a break or pause
• Used empathy (“I can see…” / “It’s hard when…”)
• Redirected attention or offered choices
  Notes: ____________________________________________
  
  
  

4. Positive Interaction & Empowerment

• Encouraged child’s input or choices
• Maintained respectful tone throughout
• Reinforced cooperation with praise or acknowledgment
  Notes: ____________________________________________
  
  
  

5. Overall Feedback

Strengths Observed:

• 1. ---

• 2. ---

• 3. ____________________________________________
     
     
     
     

Areas for Growth:

• 1. ---

• 2. ---

• 3. ____________________________________________
     
     
     
     

Actionable Suggestions:

• ---

• ____________________________________________
  
  
  
  

Thank you for your thoughtful observations! Keep this checklist to guide ongoing practice and improvement.