Enhancing Compliance in Toddlers

Transitions, such as moving from playtime to a routine task like toileting, can be challenging for toddlers. A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis explored the effectiveness of various strategies to increase compliance during transitions in toddlers. The findings highlight the potential of combining antecedent interventions with extinction to improve behavioral outcomes.

The Study: Addressing Compliance Challenges

In early childhood settings, transitions are frequent but can often result in noncompliance, particularly when moving from preferred to non-preferred activities. The study evaluated three commonly used approaches:

1. Warnings: Providing a verbal warning two minutes before the transition.
2. Access to Preferred Toys: Allowing toddlers to bring a toy with them during the transition.
3. Extinction: Ensuring compliance by following through with prompts if the child didn’t respond to initial instructions, while withholding reinforcement for problem behaviors.

Key Findings

The study revealed the following outcomes:

• Warnings and Toys Alone Were Ineffective: Neither warnings nor access to toys, when implemented on their own, significantly improved compliance or reduced problem behaviors.
• The Power of Extinction: Adding extinction to these strategies drastically improved compliance rates across all participants. This approach involved gently prompting the child to follow through with the transition without reinforcing problem behaviors.
• Combination is Key: The most effective results were observed when antecedent strategies (warnings or toys) were paired with extinction. This combination provided clarity and consistency, helping toddlers understand expectations and comply more readily.

Implications for Parents and Educators

These findings offer actionable insights for caregivers managing challenging transitions:

1. Plan Ahead: Use antecedent strategies, like giving a warning, to prepare children for transitions.
2. Stay Consistent: Follow through with instructions and avoid reinforcing problem behaviors.
3. Combine Strategies: Pairing warnings or access to preferred items with a follow-through approach ensures better compliance and smoother transitions.