Weekday Reflection: Motives

Read: "When you attribute the best possible motive consistent with the facts, you often see things in a positive and, possibly, more accurate light. This positive spin opens the door for more humanistic approaches to behavior." -- Julie Causton-Theoharis, The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms, this week's featured book.

Reflect: When dealing with my child's behavior, do I attribute the best possible or the worst possible motive? What would happen if I gave him or her the benefit of the doubt?

Respond: For children with special needs, behavior is often a form of communication, or related to a disability in such a way that you can't assume bad intent. Before applying discipline, ask yourself whether there might be another explanation that allows you to put a more positive spin on things.

Every weekday, take a moment to read, reflect, and respond to a passage from a book, blog, or article. ... More Reflections

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_{Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing}