A for Argumentative

Supporting an argumentative child is exhausting. It is as if you are walking on eggshells because you do not know what is going to upset them, and every demand you place on them results in an argument. For example, what may seem to a be a simple instruction such as 'sit on the mat' or 'join a group activity' may result in a straight out 'No', and if the adult does not back down a heated argument results. Adults also become wary about confronting the child because the child sees themselves as definitely right and others definitely wrong, which means that it is hard to reason with the child or back down. It can leave everyone feeling at a loss because nobody knows how to set limits and get the child to do what they are supposed to be doing. Based on the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach this user-friendly guide, A for Argumentative, will help you develop a comprehensive PBS plan step-by-step:

1. Work out why your child is argumentative (assess),

2. How to respond when your child is argumentative (manage), and

3. How to minimise or eliminate the occurrence of argumentative behaviour (prevent). Use the practical tools (forms, checklists and strategies) provided to develop PBS plans that can be used to support children of all ages consistently in all contexts. This invaluable resource is useful for parents, caregivers, educators in childcare, early childhood, primary and secondary schools, disability, mental health, allied health and supervisory professionals.