Use the smallest consequence that is effective. If you take away his phone for a month for a minor infraction, you'll have nothing left to use when a major behavior occurs. If he is rude, he must apologize sincerely and perform a chore to make amends before his privileges are reinstated.
| Instead of… | Try… | |-------------|------| | Yelling louder | Lowering your voice and slowing down | | Immediate punishment | “We’ll talk when we’re both calm” | | Ultimatums you won’t follow | One clear, enforceable limit | | Taking it personally | Saying, “I love you, but this behavior isn’t okay” |
Critics argue West oversimplifies severe cases—conduct disorder, ODD with comorbidities, trauma. West agrees: “If your son is a danger to himself or others, get a psychiatrist. My framework is for the burned-out, not the broken.” jodiwest jodi west my son is out of control better
If your efforts at home are not yielding results, or if the behavior is escalating rapidly, professional intervention is necessary.
Every behavior has a function. Before you can correct the behavior, you need to understand why it's happening. Ask yourself: Use the smallest consequence that is effective
"It's exhausting," Jodi confessed. "I'm constantly on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I've lost count of the number of sleepless nights I've had, worrying about my son's behavior and how I'll manage it. It's like I'm drowning in a sea of uncertainty, and I don't know how to keep my head above water."
While we cannot know exactly which Jodi West protocol you are referencing, most evidence-based parenting interventions for out-of-control children agree on the first step: | Instead of… | Try… | |-------------|------| |
: Provides practical tools and programs for parents dealing with "out of control" behavior, defiance, and verbal aggression.
To turn things around, a complete change in approach is often necessary. This requires patience and consistency. A. Focus on Connection Over Correction