When a child from a hard place doesn’t feel safe, the result is often behaviors that appear willful, baffling, and infuriating to caregivers. How we respond is critical. Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) has developed a guideline to help.
The IDEAL Response©
Immediate
Respond within seconds when possible.
Direct
Engage directly with eye contact, proximity, and touch when possible.
Efficient
Use a measured response that is equal in intensity to the challenge.
Action-based
Give an opportunity for a re-do. Practicing the “right way” creates body memory for optimal behavior
Leveled at the behavior
…Not the child! Make it clear that you are the advocate, helping the child overcome behavior. You are not an adversary!
Source: TBRI® Tip Sheet: IDEAL Response, ©2016 Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
TBRI® Animate: The IDEAL Response©
Watch as we walk through the IDEAL Response© for dealing with behaviors and building connection between the child and caregiver.
