Navigating the journey of parenthood is filled with moments of joy, learning, and challenges—especially when it comes to understanding and addressing our children’s behaviours. One compassionate and effective approach that has been embraced by many families for their children is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Let’s explore how PBS can be a valuable tool in fostering a harmonious and supportive home environment.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
At its heart, PBS is about understanding the reasons behind our children’s behaviours. It’s a gentle, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and addressing them with empathy and proactive strategies. By doing so, we not only help in reducing these behaviours but also enrich our children’s overall well-being.
Positive Behaviour Support is a specifically funded therapeutic support in a person’s NDIS plan. It is funded when there are behaviours of concern, such as physical or verbal aggression. Both the individual Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and the provider who provides the Positive Behaviour Support must be registered by the NDIS to provide this important support.
Your Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner will work closely with the individual, family/carers and wider stakeholders to develop and implement a positive behaviour support plan, reducing behaviours and improving quality of life.
At Hively, we have a wonderful and supportive team of Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners.
Why Do Children Exhibit Challenging Behaviours?
Children communicate through their behaviours. Sometimes, what we perceive as challenging behaviour is their way of expressing unmet needs, frustrations, or seeking attention. Recognizing this is the first step toward addressing the root causes compassionately.
Key Principles of PBS for Families
Understanding the Behaviour:
Recognize that all behaviours serve a purpose. Identifying the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours is essential in addressing them effectively.
Individualized Support Plans:
Develop tailored strategies that align with your child’s unique needs, preferences, and goals to encourage positive behaviours and skill development.
Collaborative Approach:
Engage a team that includes family members, educators, support workers, and healthcare professionals to ensure consistent and holistic support across all environments.
Proactive Strategies:
Implement environmental modifications, teach alternative skills, and adjust routines to prevent the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
Focus on Quality of Life:
Prioritize your child’s overall well-being by promoting inclusion, participation, and the reduction of restrictive practices.
Enhancing Family Life Through PBS
Embracing Positive Behaviour Therapy for your child is not solely about addressing challenges but about enriching the family dynamic. By understanding and supporting our children’s needs, we foster stronger relationships, open communication, and a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.
Implementing PBS requires ongoing commitment, training, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in your child’s support network. By fostering an environment that understands and addresses the root causes of behaviours, PBS contributes to meaningful and lasting positive change in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Ready to explore Positive Behaviour Support for your child?
We provide direct service to the Greater Brisbane Region & telehealth nationwide.
Please contact us if you would like more information or to book an appointment with one of our clinicians.
