Pause, Think, Choose to Be in Control
Your Tool Description
Behavioral Intervention
- Behavior does not happen by accident. Every action follows a pattern where something happens, and then a response follows. This is often described as the stimulus and response connection. A stimulus is anything that happens to a person, such as a situation, a comment, or a strong emotion. A response is what they do next.
- What often goes unnoticed is that there is a small but important space between the stimulus and the response. In that space, we all have the opportunity to slow down and think. When this space is ignored, behavior becomes automatic. When it is used intentionally, behavior becomes a choice. This tool helps you teach young people how to recognize and use that space so they can respond in ways that lead to better outcomes in their relationships, decisions, and daily experiences.
- Why It's Important: Helping young people learn to use the space between what happens and how they respond helps them develop agency skills. It helps them manage emotions in real time to build stronger, more positive relationships in their daily lives.
Skill-Building Tools
Develop life skills for real-world situations
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Your Skill-Building Objectives
Behavior Management
Encouraging behaviors that are better choices
Communication
Listening and speaking to deeply connect
Emotional Regulation
Helping young people to manage emotions
Relationship Building
Building trust through caring relationships
