Responsive Strategies to Reduce Distress (Tier 3)

Word cloud graphic with such words as anxiety, stress, behavior, fear, unsure, problems, control, etc.
Word cloud graphic with such words as anxiety, stress, behavior, fear, unsure, problems, control, etc.

Sometimes, even when we deliver a quality program that promotes social and emotional development, problems may occur. The child may begin to demonstrate increased distressed behavior (e.g., anxiety, withdrawal, self-injurious behavior, aggression). If these behaviors become heightened or continued after implementing a program of proactive strategies, there are additional strategies that can foster feelings of safety, however, planning is required. Strategies that help to support a child exhibiting heightened or continued distress are included in  suggestions included under these headings:

    • Fostering Feelings of Safety (Tier 3)
    • Fostering Feelings of Success (Tier 3)
    • Fostering Feelings of Independence (Tier 3)
    • Fostering Feelings of Connectedness (Tier 3)

A Quote from Helen Keller

Sometimes, it is true, a sense of isolation enfolds me like a cold mist as I sit alone and wait at life’s shut gate. Beyond there is light, and music, and sweet companionship; but I may not enter. Fate, silent, pitiless, bars the way…

Silence sits immense upon my soul. Then comes hope with a smile and whispers, ‘There is joy is self-forgetfulness.’ So I try to make the light in others’ eyes my sun, the music in others’ ears my symphony, the smile on others’ lips my happiness.

The Story of My Life (1902) by Helen Keller, Chapter 22