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This course is a deep dive into oppositional, defiant and challenging behaviour in children aged 4 to 14 years. Facilitated by Dr Kimberley O'Brien, Principal Child Psychologist at Quirky Kid, this practical workshop equips participants with the necessary strategies and insights to foster mutual respect and cooperation.
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Welcome to Chapter 1, where we delve into the nuances of oppositional behaviour—a common challenge for parents. Meet Dr. Kimberley O'Brien, Principal Child Psychologist at Quirky Kid, and see her clinical skills in action. This chapter provides valuable insights into the impact and prevalence of oppositional behaviour among boys and girls.
In this chapter, we explore how educators often use leverage, based on the quality of relationships, to counteract defiance as children with oppositional behaviour often test limits and struggle to build connections. Understanding the feelings behind challenging or oppositional behaviour in the classroom and at home is vital. Dr. Kimberley introduces visual techniques to explore this further and encourages you to do the same with your child..
To offer a relatable perspective, we present a real-life case example of Stella, a nine-year-old girl who says no to most things. Through Stella's story, Dr Kimberley highlights the emotional impact that oppositional behaviour can have on children, educators and family members. She also cuts through the issue to present solutions for immediate implementation.
In conclusion, understanding oppositional behaviour is crucial for parents navigating this challenging phase with their children. By implementing playful techniques and understanding the feelings behind oppositional behaviour, parents are more able to create a cooperative culture at home and school. Join us in Chapter 2 as we explore practical techniques to overcome more significant incidents of defiance at home.
In Chapter 2, Dr. Kimberley O'Brien presents practical techniques to foster problem-solving, positive change, and to build resilience in children presenting with oppositional behaviour.
Our first technique involves mapping out feelings in a structured, fun and visual way. Drawing a before-during-after scenario of an incident allows both you and your child to express feelings at each stage, encouraging open communication. This could be about a past incident or an ongoing issue that needs unpacking.
Encouraging children to use play and art to solve problems allows for an engaging and effective approach than simply talking. This technique can be used more than once to explore and resolve past incidents, or to prepare for an upcoming event.
During the second exercise Dr Kimberley introduces the "Behaviour of the Week" poster as a great way to pinpoint the desired behaviour on a weekly basis. Family discussions and rewards further encourage progress, especially for children with oppositional presentations.This also helps to discourage siblings from copying a child with oppositional traits.
Dr Kimberley’s clinical and creative approaches help children to develop problem-solving skills and express their emotions more effectively, without relying on old habits, such as ‘the instant refusal’ which can be anxiety-related. Join us in Chapter 3, where we explore the journey of finding support and solutions to navigate oppositional behaviour on a long-term basis, as we encourage children to develop greater self awareness and self control.
In Chapter 3, we focus on finding the support needed by most parents or educators impacted by oppositional behaviour. Dr. Kimberley O'Brien emphasises the significance of building a supportive environment and maintaining patience during setbacks. Quirky Kid's resources and support offer invaluable tools and a community of like-minded parents.
Dr Kimberley also provides Fieldwork Ideas to practise outside the home. These are designed for children to try in the community as they interact with others. Offering to help is always appreciated, even if assistance is not required. This chapter also explores volunteering in your child's classroom and scheduling one-on-one time on weekends to mitigate ongoing oppositional behaviour.
In conclusion, navigating oppositional behaviour requires a positive and understanding approach. Parents and young people can develop greater self awareness about power struggles by using Dr Kimberley’s art and play techniques to elicit deeper emotions, mutual appreciation and shared goals. Give yourself a break from power struggles and take a look from Dr. Kimberley O'Brien’s perspective based on two decades of experience.
This transformative course starts with an introduction to help parents accurately identify oppositional behaviour and its prevalence among children and adolescents. Starting from the child’s perspective, Dr Kimberley shares the most common causes of oppositional behaviour, including frustration and communication difficulties. Drawing on her clinical techniques, Dr Kimberley demonstrates three different art and play techniques used to de-escalate power struggles.
Together we’ll explore solutions to overcome defiance, encourage problem-solving and emotional expression using mapping techniques, and a “Behaviour of the Week" to help clarify what is being rewarded in your home or classroom.
Join Dr Kimberley to gain insights into children with oppositional behaviour and how to best help them navigate new skills, such as cooperation, conflict resolution and empathy in order to work more effectively with others.
To purchase this course, you will first have to create an account with Quirky Kid. Create your account and verify your email to complete your purchase.
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