The involvement technique

Involve your children in everyday activities

You probably already do something like this with your younger children, especially when you’re caring for them from home. The involvement technique works by getting your child to help you in an activity (‘could you help me fold this t-shirt?’ or ‘where does this toy live when we tidy up?’).

A more structured version of this method can help in situations whereby your attention is diverted, and the circumstances trigger attention-seeking behavior in your child, like aggressive shouting or tantrums.

The supermarket is a classic example of this kind of situation, or when you’re trying to get dinner on the table. This technique gives you the tools to give the attention children need, whilst building their independence and responsibility – and it allows you to get chores done!

Chores can be fun

Small children haven’t had time to get bored of cleaning, folding, sorting, fetching, carrying and tidying yet, so take advantage of this; give them a clean cloth and heap on the praise when they do a good job.

Older children can also be drawn in with what you’re doing. Choose an activity where you’ll be occupied doing something else, such as a trip to the supermarket or preparing dinner.

• Make a shopping list together with your child, and write down (or find pictures of, for younger children) eight or ten items which are on your list.
• Stick these words or pictures on a board and get him to choose some of them before you leave.
• Once you’re at the supermarket, he can find the articles stuck to his board, getting a point on his reward chart if he helps younger siblings do the same (check out our great print-and-color reward charts).

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