Having the courage it takes to incorporate Cognitive interventions requires a shift in traditional thinking. As parents and professionals, most of us are more "familiar" with traditional Behavioral interventions. For example, we tend to focus more on using Consequences and applying the "right type of discipline" to change unwanted behaviors. While Behavioral interventions alone can be effective, we must consider the cost.
Isn't the goal of our interactions with children, to help them reach the point that they will make healthy choices, even when noone is around to apply a consequence if they don't? Integrating Cognitive interventions will help to do just this.
To illustrate, lets take an example of two children arguing over a toy. Simply applying a Behavioral Consequence to this situation might look like this:
"You two share, or I'll take the toy away."
This solution deprives the children of learning problem-solving. It can also create a great deal of anger, as the children feel that they are being "controlled" and may lash out to "win" the power struggle.
In contrast, when integrating a Cognitive intervention, the parent or professional may say something like this:
"You both want the toy and are fighting about it. What is a better way to solve this?"
You will be surprised at how well children can solve these problems on their own. They are also gaining valuable competence and self-esteem for solving the problem on their own. Priceless:)
If applying a more Cognitive style makes sense to you and you would like to learn more,
Please take a look at the Challenge Software Program as a way to help you implement this approach in an Engaging and Interactive format.
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