Bad behavior - what can we do?

In the group homes we have many rules that we have to abide with if we want to work with the children in the system.  It does make handling difficult behaviors even more challenging than it was before we got all those rules.  For example, we are not allowed to lock up any food, and the children are allowed to help themselves.  It is concerning when one of our diabetic children gains 20 in 3 months.  I don't want to vent all the things that make our more and more difficult.  I want to share how our terrific staff have continued to dedicate themselves to the job at hand, and develop ever more creative ways to work with entitled children who don't have to follow the rules.

So, what can we do?  We can stand firm, and challenge the children's thinking, and the choice of behaviors.  We can ask if they are getting what they want, or are they getting consequences? In real estate the slogan is, "location, location, location."  In working with children it is, "talk, talk, talk".  The more time you spend with them, the more encouragement, the more challenges, the more you hold the consequences you can by law hold, the better your relationship with the children will be.

We are proud of those well-trained staff who hold the line, maintain professional boundaries, and love kids, regardless of their behavior.  YES, we do experience change in their behaviors, and it makes it all worth it.