{"id":2773,"date":"2013-02-13T17:48:13","date_gmt":"2013-02-13T17:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=2773"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:22:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T18:22:39","slug":"encouraging-well-behaved-kids-at-the-table-tricks-and-tips-from-the-speech-therapist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/speech-therapy-techniques\/encouraging-well-behaved-kids-at-the-table-tricks-and-tips-from-the-speech-therapist\/","title":{"rendered":"Encouraging Well Behaved Kids at the Table: Tricks and Tips From the Speech Therapist"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Family<\/a>

Source: dixiechickscook.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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After Monday\u2019s post on temper tantrums in preschoolers, I thought it only fitting to share some tricks and tips in\u00a0speech therapy<\/a>\u00a0that encourage good behavior. You may have seen the recent headline, \u201crestaurant gives discount for well-behaved kids,\u201d<\/a>\u00a0where the King family from Kingston, Washington received a $4 discount on their dining bill for having well-behaved kids. While the King family says they were just, \u201cbeing themselves\u201d at the restaurant, many parents of children with special needs struggle with good and appropriate behavior in public settings.<\/p>\n

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\"Boy<\/a>

Source: caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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Children with special needs and communication impairments may have specific challenges in new places, especially restaurants because:<\/p>\n

-It’s too noisy and over stimulating<\/p>\n

–They \u00a0might be picky eaters<\/a> or don\u2019t like the food options<\/p>\n

-They don\u2019t have the words to communicate about what they want to eat<\/p>\n

-They are bored easily<\/p>\n

-They do not understand the social rules about being in a restaurant<\/p>\n

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Participation in a restaurant is not too different than speech therapy: children must follow the established rules, sit at the table, wait for their turn to order, stay seated and engage in conversation – with a little coloring too. Here\u2019s some tricks using techniques similar to those used in speech therapy that you might find helpful for encouraging good behavior:<\/p>\n

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Set Expectations Beforehand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just like watching a movie trailer and getting a sneak peak, we all benefit from previews. They help us know what is to come and how we should prepare ourselves. For children, entering a new place specifically can be difficult because they don\u2019t know the rules, the people there, may be easily distracted by new things, and can get easily bored. To help your child, discuss the situation beforehand and the behavior you expect. Be clear and concrete in your explanation and lay out the guidelines step-by-step. At a restaurant you might Use social stories to help children understand the emotions of the characters<\/a> below:<\/p>\n

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\"A<\/a>

Source: teacherspayteachers.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Make a List of Events<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your child benefits from more structure, create a schedule by listing all the activities that will happen. Checking off each event can help show the child what is left and what\u2019s to come.<\/p>\n

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Occupy, Occupy, Occupy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Restaurants involve a lot of wait-time. Waiting to sit, to order, to get the food, for everyone to finish and to pay the bill. This can be especially difficult for children who are easily bored and feel the need to fidget. Be proactive in bringing coloring, books or other items that can be helpful during those times of endless waiting.<\/p>\n

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Prepare for Communication Ahead of Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your child has a communication impairment (apraxia, autism, a stutter\/dysfluency, down syndrome, developmental delays, articulation disorder) that might hurt their ability to order independently, or they are self conscious of doing so, make a plan beforehand. This is a great opportunity for encouraging independent communication. They must express their wants (food order) and answer questions about the order (fries? What would you like to drink?) Children that use AAC (pictures, or voice output devices) should have their order programmed and ready to go when it\u2019s their turn with the waitress. Children with articulation or other impairments should show you their order on the menu first and practice saying it aloud before the waitress comes.<\/p>\n

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