Following up from my post about Day 1 of the Positive Partnerships Workshop, here is a summary of what happened on Day 2.
We started off in the main room with a recap of Day 1 and some general discussion.
Session 1, Day 2
What is Behavior?
There is always a reason behind behaviours, even if we are not aware of them.
We don’t want to stop behaviours (stimming) other than ones that harm themselves or others as the behaviour is serving a purpose (calming, soothing etc).
Question?
Do you stop non-harmful behaviours that are socially unacceptable, socially isolating?
Suggestion was to look at why behaviour occurs, observe the child and take notes. Remember behaviours serve a purpose (calming, soothing etc)
We then split off into smaller groups (6-10 people) for specialist topic workshops – I’m going to recap the workshops I attended but there are many other topics covered including siblings, bullying, completing work.
Workshop 1 Positive Behaviour
Look at challenging behaviours and trying to find a positive outcome. First step is to narrow the focus on what is the challenging behaviour, not just a tantrum but are they throwing things, biting, hitting.
I found this workshop really helpful as we were able to pick one challenging behaviour and work out some positive solutions.
Workshop 2 Sexuality, Personal Health and Hygiene.
Identify how your child learns – written info, adult modelling, scripting, DVDs etc. This will help so you can teach them:
- Boundaries
- appropriate vs inappropriate behaviour
- safety
- hygiene
- washing
- cleanliness
- interest in opposite sex
- etc
There was SO MUCH information covered in this session, I think we could easily have dedicated a full day to it. Thankfully the binder we received on the day includes heaps of information and resource links.
Workshop 3 Sensory Processing
A fascinating session looking at your child’s specific sensory needs. I had never mapped both the girls sensory needs at the same time and it was during this session that I realised they are both almost opposite in every way.
We talked about toe walking which is Heidi’s most constant, ongoing stim – toe walking helps you give you better registration of where you are in space, something I’d not realised before and had just thought it was a calming thing.
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All up I can HIGHLY recommend attending a Positive Partnerships Parent/Carer Program if at all possible. Check out their website for information on workshop times. You can also do the workshops online, although for me the highlight of both Positive Partnerships workshops I’ve attended (this year and 2 years ago) was the amazing parents I met and the new friends I now have.
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