Bibliotherapy- Expected and Unexpected Behaviors

Written by Kristin Tallackson, M.A., LPC

During this time, you may notice an increase in tantrums, yelling and fighting between siblings. Changing the way we view behavior is an important step in positive parenting. Children use behavior to communicate when they cannot articulate what they are feeling. As parents, we can often find ourselves using language such as “you’re being good” or “stop being bad”. When we use this language, it can communicate to our children that they “are bad” instead of making a “bad choice”. It is helpful to use phrases such as, “you’re making an expected choice” or “I see you want to make an unexpected choice, are there other options?” This help our children separate their choices from who they are.

Bibliotherapy is a creative art therapeutic approach that uses literature to aid in the therapy process. Children’s books can be an excellent clinical tool to support children’s exploration and understanding of their world and life experiences. This is a great tool I often give to parents in order to continue the therapeutic work outside of the office. Many children identify with the characters in the book because they are overcoming the same obstacles. Over the next few weeks, I am going to provide a list of books that can help kids over come different obstacles from anger to ADHD. Today we are tackling books on expected and unexpected behavior.

Can You Listen with Your Eyes? by Nita Everly

David Goes to School by David Shannon

David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon

Don’t Tell a Whopper on Fridays! by Adolph Moser

Excuse Me!: A Little Book of Manners by Karen Katz

Feet Are Not for Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick

Hands are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi

Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson

I Tell the Truth! by David Parker

I Show Respect! by David Parker

Know and Follow Rules by Cheri Meiners

Let’s Talk About Being Helpful by Joy Berry

Let’s Talk About Needing Attention by Joy Berry

Listen and Learn by Cheri Meiners

No Biting by Karen Katz

No, David by David Shannon

26 Big Things Small Hands Can Do by Coleen Paratore

Quiet and Loud by Leslie Patricelli

Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick

Workbooks:

Social Behavior Mapping by Michelle Garcia Winner

You are a Social Detective by Michelle Garcia Winner

If you are struggling with your child’s behavior, contact us today to see how child counseling could help.