Chapter 9 - Arranging the Environment

Simplify the Environment.

Children might behave in unacceptable ways because there is too much going on in their surroundings. They 'act out' because they are asking for help or for calm. Acting out might be throwing things, whining, running away, or any number of annoying behaviors. Arranging things in your house so that's it's easier for your child to do things without your help could reduce your child's frustration and his/her acting out.

For example:

• Put breakable things out of his/her reach.
• Buy clothes that are easy to put on by him/herself.
• Buy unbreakable cups and drinking glasses.
• Put away the toys that children are fighting over.
• Have favorite toys and books within reach.
• Organize toys and materials so your child knows where to find them.
• Have clothes hangars and drawers within his/her reach, and easy to use.