Being a single parent is like being a teacher, a coach, and a source of emotional comfort all rolled into one. If you have a child who needs extra attention, learning, or behavioural help, just multiply that by a whole new level. To say the least, it is totally reasonable that one feels overwhelmed by these demands.
However, this can be a game-changer as far as the move towards a model like PBS is concerned. Embracing the reasons why certain behaviours are happening and only responding to the behaviours creates an atmosphere that is peaceful and supportive in which your little one can thrive.
Understanding Positive Behaviour Support Plans
So, what is a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan? In a nutshell, this approach is proactive in teaching new skills and modifying the child's environment to minimise uncomfortable moments. Instead of punishment, PBS poses the "why" behind a child's behaviour. Evidence from research through PubMed states that these evidence-based strategies are highly effective at lowering challenging behaviours while significantly increasing a child's social and emotional skills.
In the childcare or schooling context, these plans ensure that each and every educator is on the same page as well. This level of coordination is of paramount importance as it enables your child to feel completely secure and understood by the care provider.
Working with a certified positive behaviour support practitioner to develop a proper support plan enables you to come up with strategies that can operate uniformly in the home and childcare settings. Since this information enables the child to know what is expected of them, it reduces their anxieties, thus making it easy for them to play and learn as well.
Creating a Consistent Routine at Home and Educational Settings
For children with extra behavioural needs, surprises are not fun. Consistency is the catch-all that gives each day a sense of routine. Your time as a single parent is extremely valuable, and the routines do not need to be complex to be useful. The morning routine can be as simple as the three-part routine of breakfast, then teeth, then shoes.
When these home behaviours are also consistent with the structure observed within a quality early learning centre, the effects are additive. Children in a more consistent, high-quality care structure demonstrate improved language and literacy skills, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
By linking your home schedule with the flow of their childcare day, you are actively reinforcing the PBS strategies their teachers or education providers are utilising. This kind of synchrony helps your child transition from one setting to another without getting lost, therefore not reaching a meltdown or withdrawing.
Choosing Childcare That Supports Your Child’s Behaviour and Learning
When you are on your own, getting the right village is crucial. When you are visiting various centres, you should not just look at the presentation of toys. You should check if they are using positive reinforcement and if they have a daily flow that is structured.
You want a team that can look at your child’s individual needs as a journey they are taking alongside you, as opposed to a problem that needs fixing. The support should be an environment where your child feels nurtured and where teachers are willing to adapt their practice.
According to the Australian Government Department of Education, for a child to learn to cope with the social demands of primary school, their early learning must be of quality. If you are in Victoria, then as a single parent, you could investigate local Armstrong Creek kindergarten options that maintain supportive learning environments aligned to positive behaviour strategies. Picking a local service that values PBS will mean your child is receiving expert support throughout the day, which takes a huge amount of pressure off your shoulders when it comes to collecting them.
Practical PBS Strategies Single Parents Can Use at Home
You don’t have to be a psychology major to implement PBS strategies around your home. "Visual Schedule," which is a picture schedule showing all activities for a given day, is very helpful and allows a child a sense of mastery and control. "Reward Chart" is also a big winner, provided you focus on effort, not achievement. So, if your child really tried hard to stay calm while making a transition, this is something to really celebrate!
Any other suggestions, try to take the learning outside. Nature-based play can be an incredible way to balance the energies. A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights the importance of the quality of early experiences, including outdoor play, which is vital for children’s good social development.
Whether it is a colour hunt in the backyard or feeling the grass, these expériences can be very grounding. Remember, adaptability is key. If a plan is not working on Tuesday, it is perfectly acceptable to adapt it on Wednesday.
Collaborating Effectively with Teachers and Educators
You can consider the teachers as home team members. You are the expert about your child, and the observations you share from home are invaluable to the teachers there. Do you know if your child gets irritated more easily in the morning? Are there certain kinds of music your child enjoys listening to? Sharing these small aspects helps the teachers there implement more effective strategies for your child.
The Productivity Commission's inquiry into early childhood education highlighted the significance of the interdependence of high-quality outcomes and the partnership between parents and educators. The implication is that, if possible, have a quick check-in during drop-off or use a communication app if the centre offers it.
By speaking the same language and rewarding it with the same rewards, your child will receive a clear message about what this looks like in terms of positive behaviour. By working this way, the PBS will not be a piece of paper but a living mechanism that will grow and develop along with your child.
Encouraging Engagement Through Fun Learning Activities
Learning doesn't have to be done at a desk, and in fact, for those with extra needs, it's far more interesting when it's hands-on. Try using a "Sensory Bin" filled with basic kitchen staples such as rice or beans. A great way of teaching turn-taking and patient waiting, it requires virtually no preparatory time at all.
Another great idea is a "Nature Scavenger Hunt." Sit your child down and give him or her a brief list of items to look for: a yellow leaf, a smooth stone, a twig, and the like. This task helps your child develop the skill of focus and listening to and following directions, all in a fun, non-threatening way. These activities are easy, and these skills are the same ones the PBS plans teach, but don't feel as menial.
Conclusion
Managing and understanding the distinctive educational and behavioural development journey for your child as a single mum is a daunting feat, yet it seems that in grasping the Positive Behaviour Support concept and establishing a consistent routine, you are creating a simply superb foundation for a successful future for your child.
It is not about having the perfect day every single day; it is about the small wins. The merging of your love, intuition, professionalism, and supportive childcare is the key to success. Are you prepared to take the next step? Look and see how PBS and CCC Armstrong Creek can assist your family in finding their groove.
