🧠 Green Choices & Red Choices

In our work with children, we often talk about choices rather than “good” or “bad” behavior. This helps reduce shame and keeps the focus on learning skills.

🟢 Green Choices are positive, pro-social behaviors. These are choices that help us learn, play, and connect with others. Examples include:
• Using words, signs, or a device to ask for help
• Waiting or taking turns
• Following directions
• Keeping hands and feet to ourselves
• Using calm coping strategies when upset

🔴 Red Choices are unsafe or inappropriate behaviors. These choices may happen when a child is overwhelmed, tired, or lacking the skills to communicate their needs. Examples include:
• Hitting, kicking, or throwing items
• Yelling or using hurtful language
• Running away or refusing to follow safety rules
• Property destruction

Red choices are not a reflection of a child being “bad.” They are signals that support, teaching, or regulation is needed.

💡 Our role as clinicians and caregivers is to:
• Teach and model green choices
• Reinforce positive behaviors consistently
• Respond to red choices calmly and safely
• Help children learn what to do instead

Every child is capable of learning new skills. With patience, consistency, and compassion, green choices grow. ❤️💛💙