Responding to Disruptive Younger Children at Home

Responding to Disruptive Younger Children at Home

As families work and learn from home in response to COVID-19, one common challenge for both parents and older children is frequent disruption from younger children.

First, it’s important to recognize that these interruptions are typically either a call for help or a call for connection. Children either have a question, a need, or a desire to connect with you.

First, it’s important to recognize that these interruptions are typically either a call for help or a call for connection. Children either have a question, a need, or a desire to connect with you. When we’re triggered, we view this as a disruption to our agenda in that moment. For this reason, the first step when we’re interrupted is to take a deep breath, allowing us to regain our composure and choose a wise response.

In this webinar, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Kim Jackson shares five steps to lovingly respond to disruptions from younger children. You’ll learn how to create safety, provide predictability and choices, reconnect, and give frequent brain breaks. Together, these strategies will allow for increased peace and productivity in your home.

Webinar Outline

• 00:01 Introduction of Certified Instructor Kim Jackson and topic
• 01:48 Step 1: Take a deep breath
• 02:03 See it differently
• 03:28 Step 2: Structure their choices
• 07:27 Step 3: Notice their successes
• 10:28 Step 4: Connect with them
• 12:08 Step 5: Take frequent brain breaks
• 12:36 Review of 5 steps and Closing

Resource Mentions

• Printable: At Home Brain Breaks and Active Calming
• Printable: Stop and Go Door Signs for Siblings
• Printable: Stop and Go Door Signs for Telecommuting Adults
• Printable: Visual Daily Schedule
• Printable: Memory Game Breathing Choices

Helpful Next Steps

• COVID-19: Resources for Families and Educators
• I Love You Rituals Digital Value Pack
• Podcast: Weaving I Love You Rituals Into the Day