Understanding Behavior of Traumatized Children: Using Positive Discipline-Building Relationships

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: New and experienced lineworkers and supervisors

Intended Objectives:

• Briefly review historical and current thinking with regard to child behavior management, attachment theory and brain development, leading to a clearer understanding of behavior – for children raised in nurturing families, and for those who have experienced chronic trauma (abuse and neglect).
• Understand Adlerian-based theory of behavior management and discipline.
• Understand why many traditional and current methods of behavior management and
  discipline are ineffective with children who have experienced chronic trauma.
• Understand and be able to assist birth parents, as well as other caregivers in the use of more effective behavior management tools.

Topics Include:

• Cultural values with regard to behavior management/discipline,
• Cultural Paradigm of Behaviorism
• Introduction of Adlerian Principles (Positive Discipline)
• Brief Review of Attachment, Brain Development
• Positive Discipline/Relationship Based Parenting Tools
• Building Qualities We Want; Building Brain Structure
• Working with caregivers to use more effective behavior management tools.

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.6 Student understands the influence and value of traditional, culturally based childrearing practices and uses this knowledge in working with families.

3.3 Student is able to identify the major family, health, and social factors contributing to child abuse and neglect, as well as positive factors that act to preserve the family and protect the child.

3.5 Student demonstrates an understanding of basic child development and how developmental level affects a child’s perception of events, coping strategies, and physical and psychological responses to stress and trauma.