Okay, so, you know how some kids are just… a handful? It can feel like you’re constantly battling them, right? I definitely went through a phase like that with my little one. That’s when I started looking into this thing called Behavioral Parent Training, or BPT for short.
What I Did
First, I did a ton of reading. I mean, I was drowning in articles and blog posts about it. Turns out, BPT is a pretty big deal for helping parents handle kids who are acting out, not listening, or even being aggressive. Sounds about right, I thought.
Next, I tried to find a therapist who specializes in this. I remember filling out this quiz online that was supposed to match you with the right person. Seemed a little weird at first, but hey, I was willing to try anything.
Then, I actually started going to these BPT sessions. Basically, it’s all about teaching parents like me how to deal with our kids’ behaviors. They give you these strategies and techniques to use at home, which is where the real magic is supposed to happen.
What I Learned
The therapist, she explained that we need to be consistent with how we react to our kid’s behavior. Like, if they throw a tantrum, you can’t give in sometimes and stand firm other times. That just confuses them. Consistency is key, she said.
They also taught me about positive reinforcement. It’s about catching your kid doing something good and praising them for it. Makes sense, right? Focus on the good stuff, not just the bad.
We practiced setting clear rules and expectations. No more guessing games. My kid now knows exactly what’s expected of them, and what the consequences are if they don’t follow through.
Another big one was learning how to stay calm. Easier said than done, I know! But they showed me some techniques to manage my own emotions so I don’t end up making things worse when my kid is losing it.
How It Worked Out
Honestly, it wasn’t easy. There were times when I felt like I was failing, or like it wasn’t making a difference. But I stuck with it, and slowly but surely, things started to change.
My kid’s tantrums became less frequent, and they started listening to me more often. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but it was definitely progress. I felt like I finally had some tools to handle those tough situations.
It’s still a work in progress, of course. Parenting is a lifelong journey, as they say. But thanks to BPT, I feel much more equipped to handle the challenges that come my way. I learned so much about my own behavior, too, and how it was affecting my kid.
So, if you’re a parent struggling with a difficult child, I definitely recommend looking into BPT. It might not be a quick fix, but it can really make a difference in the long run. I’m living proof of that!
