Revised 1/2018; © MGH
GENERAL PLANNING
Plan B
Prep Sheet
WHAT is the focus of the conversation (the problem to be solved not the challenging behavior!)?
WHO is going to have the conversation? ______________________________________
WHEN, WHERE and WHILE DOING WHAT are you going to have the conversation?
INGREDIENT # 1: EMPATHIZE
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO START THE CONVERSATION AND FRAME THE PROBLEM? Be specific about the
problem but don’t focus on the behavior, assume or blame.
o
Stick to the facts or externalize the problem.
o
Examples: “I’ve noticed that…” “…waking
up has been tough lately,
“…something’s been up with the homework,”
“…something about group hasn’t been working for you lately,”
“…something about the food we have in the house seems to be bothering you,” “…something
about seated work has been tough,”
o
Finish by asking,Can you fill me in?” or “What’s going on?
Write down opening statement here and on Plan B Cheat-Sheet:
(NOTE: Complete next section ONLY if you anticipate the youth having difficulty expressing his/her
concerns)
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE CHILD’S CONCERNS MIGHT BE? What types of clarifying questions
might you ask / educated guesses might you make if needed?
INGREDIENT #2: SHARE ADULT CONCERN
WHY ARE YOU BRINGING THE PROBLEM UP?
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larify your concerns ahead of time. Be specific and concise! Health, safety, learning, impact on
others? Write down how exactly you will communicate them to the youth here and on Plan B Cheat
Sheet:
Revised 1/2018; © MGH
Plan B
"Cheat-Sheet"
INGREDIENT #1: EMPATHIZE
Opening statement: “I’ve noticed that ….” (neutral, don’t blame or assume, stick to
the facts!)
Focus on the problem, not the challenging behavior!
Gather information: Ask questions, take guesses, reflect what you hear, provide
reassurance.
Don’t rush! Move on only when you know the kid’s concern or perspective
Use sentence starters if needed:
It bothers me when
I have a hard time with ...
I don’t like when ...
I’m worried that ...
It’s hard for me because I need to ...
It’s hard for me because I want to
Record child’s concern(s):
INGREDIENT #2: SHARE ADULT CONCERN
What are your concerns? Health, safety, learning, impact on others? Be specific
and write them down below!
AND the thing is …” or AND I’m worried that …”
Share the adult’s concern(s):
INGREDIENT #3: BRAINSTORM!
Frame the problem: “I wonder if there’s a way we can address... (insert child’s
concerns) _________________________________________________________________
AND (insert your concerns)
Give kid a first-crack at it: (“Do you have any ideas?”) but, provide help if
needed.
Any idea is a good idea! Litmus test: Does it address [restate the child’s
concern(s)]? Does is address [restate the adult concern(s)]?
Try the solution and make a plan to come back to talk about how it worked and
revisit if the problem is still not solved.
Potential Solution(s)
: