* Simplifying: making the home easier for the child to function independently and effectively
Examples: mirror at child's level; stool to reach water faucet and cup; clothes rack lowered; cereal and plastic bowls in low cupboard
* Rearranging: displaying, storing and placing elements in the home to eliminate or encourage certain behaviors
Examples: covers over dangerous electrical outlets; plastic cups; door guards against slamming; T.V. out of "traffic pattern"; locked medicine cabinet.
It is important to understand that the concept of modifying the environment does not sanction parents to impose physical changes upon unwilling children. Instead, parents should seek mutual acceptance of physical changes in the home, especially if they get resistance from their children. Moreover, it is likely that the best possible modifications can be made if all family members put their heads together--and certainly the commitment to supporting the changes will be higher if the process used is Method III.*
*Excerpt from Dr. Thomas Gordon's F.E.T. Adult Resource Book
Fantastic idea! Once you get something that is child friendly should you intend on keeping it that way for a while? I ask because it seems children are not big fans of frequent environment changes.
ReplyDelete