Attending
Attending is a parent practice that facilitates high-quality time between parents and children. Therapists help parents use attending to improve the quality of the overall parent-child relationship. Within attending, the child picks an activity and the parent joins this activity in a very positive manner. While they are attending, parents are encouraged to be as non-critical as possible while also providing occasional praise.
“What should my therapist be doing?”
Explaining the rationale behind the proposed intervention before beginning
Asking you to be involved with play activities that your child chooses
Teaching you to describe and encourage your child’s actions using positive, non-judgmental, language.
“What should I be doing?”
Playing with your child on a regular basis
Practicing skills inside and outside of therapy sessions
Asking questions of your therapist as needed (e.g., What kind of comments should I make when playing with my child?)
“How will I know if it is working?”
The overall quality of your relationship with your child improves (e.g. you both value time spent together more)
Negative attention-seeking behaviors are replaced by more pro-social behaviors (e.g. your child gains your attention by engaging in play instead of throwing a tantrum)
