Low-Rate Behavior

What are Low-Rate Behaviors?

Low-rate, sporadic or intermittent, behaviors are serious misbehaviors and actions that occur infrequently. Due to their sporadic nature, they can be particularly unsettling for parents.

Examples of Low-Rate Behaviors (with Age Considerations):

• Teens:

  • Vandalism or property damage

  • Physical aggression towards others

  • Skipping school

  • Substance abuse

  • Theft

• Elementary/Middle School: (Use with caution, focusing on teaching and redirection)

  • Extreme tantrums involving hitting or kicking

  • Deliberately hurting a pet

  • Stealing a significant item

  • Persistent bullying or harassment

  • Lying about a severe matter

The Low-Rate Behavior Consequence Process:

1.    Immediate Consequence:

• Calmly state: "Do the [chore] in the yard for [duration] because you [state the specific low-rate behavior]."

• Duration:

  • • 30 minutes for less severe (e.g., extreme tantrums)

    • 1 hour for most severe (e.g., deliberate harm)

• Praise: When your child begins the task and upon completion.

2.    Forget It: This step involves letting go of the incident once the consequence has been carried out. It's important not to dwell on the behavior or bring it up again, as this can undermine the effectiveness of the result and the learning process. By 'forgetting it,' we are giving the child a chance to start anew and focus on their future behavior.

3.    Develop a Plan (When Calm): For example, write a contract offering a reward for following the rule and a consequence for breaking a Low-rate behavior rule. 

Important Considerations:

• Age-appropriateness is a critical factor in managing low-rate behaviors. By tailoring consequences to the child's age and developmental level, parents and teachers can feel reassured that their responses are appropriate and effective.

• Consistency: It's crucial to apply consequences consistently to reinforce the message that the behavior is unacceptable.

• Focus on Teaching: The goal is to punish the low-rate behavior and teach children appropriate behavior and problem-solving skills.

Addressing Low-Rate Behaviors When Proof is Difficult:

1.    Trust Your Intuition: Parents often have a strong sense of when something isn't right. If your gut feeling tells you your child has engaged in a low-rate behavior, don't dismiss it.

2.    Open Communication: Talk to your child calmly and directly about your concerns. Explain why you suspect they might have broken the rule. Be open to hearing their side of the story and be firm in your expectations.

3.    Focus on the Bigger Picture: Even if you can't definitively prove the behavior occurred, use the situation as a teaching moment. Discuss the potential consequences of the behavior and why following the rules is essential.

4.    Consistent Consequences: If you're reasonably sure the behavior occurred, initiate the consequence (e.g., the chore) as usual. This reinforces the message that you are serious about the rules, even when direct evidence is hard to come by.

5.    Build Trust: Foster open communication and trust with your child. This can make it easier to address difficult situations in the future.

Example: Suspected Vaping

• Intuition: You find a vaping device in your teen's backpack, but they deny using it.

• Communication: Express your concern about the device and the potential health risks of vaping.

• Focus on Health: Even if your teen denies vaping, talk about the dangers and why it's essential to avoid it.

• Consequences: Implement the low-rate behavior consequence (e.g., raking leaves), emphasizing the importance of following the rules.

• Build Trust: Continue to have open conversations about substance use and create a safe space for your teen to come to you with any concerns.

Important Note: While intuition is valuable, avoiding accusations or jumping to conclusions without sufficient reason is important. Open communication and a focus on teaching can help navigate these tricky situations effectively.

Refusal or Poor Effort:

• Teens: If your teen refuses the chore or does a poor job, calmly remove a privilege (e.g., electronics, social outings) or ground your child for up to two days.

• Younger Children: If a younger child refuses or struggles, provide support and guidance to help them complete the task. This may involve breaking it down into smaller steps or working alongside them. If your child refuses to cooperate, take away a privilege for up to one day.

Low-rate behaviors could indicate underlying emotional or behavioral challenges. If these behaviors persist or seem out of character, it's important to consider seeking professional guidance. This step can help parents and teachers feel supported and not alone in their efforts to address these behaviors. Professional guidance can provide a deeper understanding of the behavior and offer effective management strategies.