Stop unwanted behavior before it occurs. Make expectations clear and communicate repercussions if they are ignored. If you know environment stimulates to the point it causes disruptive activity or lack of control, change it. Employ individual counseling and group discussion to alter perspectives and teach self-control. Prevent crises by removing known catalysts that spark negative behavior. Ignore low-level irritations, thereby decreasing their impact.
To affect change in behavior, redirect attention. This might be as simple as giving a direct order or making a specific threat. Be careful to avoid repetition in either case because heard too often, they will lose their effectiveness. A better way is to submit other options that entice and bring the desired satisfaction sought by nonproductive conduct. Explore reasons behind actions and look for more accepting alternatives. Teach new and effective social skills and reinforce when mastery is demonstrated.
When behavior is productive, react positively and at the time it occurs. Affirm actions that may not be exactly what you're looking for but are signs of moving in the right direction. Never reinforce bad behavior unless you want it to continue indefinitely. Reward when performance is sound and withhold when it is not. Provide positive reinforcement most frequently and you will build sequentially toward a desired outcome. Many small steps make a journey. Removing or denying a desired reward can also inspire change in behavior.
Basic strategies employed in consequence intervention include ignoring unwanted behavior while still observing, making expectations clear, changing surroundings, planning for expected and unexpected behavior and tailoring reinforcement to individual situations. Consequence intervention demands consistency. If responses to poor behavior are sporadic and weak, they will be ineffectual. Moreover, the earlier intervention happens, the more successful the results and the better the chances to avoid problems in the future. Recognize that inappropriate or disruptive behaviors usually begin small and escalate to upheaval. Understanding this makes it easier to avoid serious trouble.