Becoming Game-Wise by YouthLight, Inc

If the game is...

temper tantrums      The underlying need may be:  power over adults, getting what the student                                                                                               wants
                                 Suggested Intervention:  ignoring the behavior; time-out; not rewarding the                                                                                  behavior

don't care             The underlying need may be: insecurity - fear to failure;  to achieve recognition                                                                                   of self worth
                               Suggested Intervention:  utilize motivational strategies; reward any successful                                                                              behaviors;  allow the student to be a helper to teach                                                                                  peers;  encourage positive self-evaluation

stubborn                The underlying need may be:  power, freedom, testing the adult's ability for                                                                                           giving consequences
                              
                              Suggested Intervention:  give student choices; do not allow the student to                                                                                      maintain control over the adult; provide a choice with                                                                            one being a natural consequence for continued behavior

I can't                  The underlying need may be:  avoidance of responsibility, dependency, fear of                                                                                      failure

                           Suggested Intervention:  do not allow the student to get by without doing the task;                                                                         do not buy into the attitude; do not help the student every                                                                       step of the way; reward the student for trying

whining                The underlying need may be: attention, power, feeling bad (needs not met)

                             Suggested Intervention:   ignore, time-out; make sure needs are met

name-calling       The underlying need may be:  need to elevate self; power over others; lack of                                                                                         appropriate social skills; attention

                           Suggested Intervention:  notice positive behavior; time-out;encourage empathy;                                                                           teach social skills
                                                                                                             "YouthLight,Inc."