Behaviour Modification, how to stop a child spitting?

[AnnieEmms]

Looking for some advise and help in modifying some unwanted behaviour.

We have a child who will sit at the table at snack time and spit all over the table food and at other children.

Parents have complained about copy cat behaviour and one is threatening to pull their child out to get them away from the other child.

Lashing out and hitting staff is also an issue.

Asking child to stop results in child just laughing and carrying on, and positive discussions on the behaviour with the child..... "it makes me said when children spit, I like it when children sit nicely, when we hot it hurts others and they feel sad...." etc etc has no effect.

Discusssions with parents are difficult and usually goes " yes YXZ does it at home to" and that is about it.

Things came to a head this week with another parent and I need to call parent in tomorrow.

What I would like is some suggestions to deal with the unwanted behaviour strats and ways forward I could use on a plan to mostly curb spitting.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi, this sounds like a terrible situation for everyone xx

You don't mention an age which can alter the way you use strategies and there probably won't be a quick fix whilst this little one learns to navigate the do's and don'ts of his world.

It will need to be a whole group effort inline with your setting's behaviour policy. Parents must be feeling utterly powerless to know what they can do to help him which could explain their possible indifference so it could be good to find a professional that can offer the setting some advice. Do you have any close links with a primary school and their behavioural support team? anyone locally that has experience of early years and could offer their expertise? It's a huge burden lifted when you know there's others out there with ideas that could ease the situation xx

What does his stage of development look like and have you (are you his keyperson?) identified any triggers for the times he spits? can the triggers be minimised or eliminated? Could a 'child-first' system help so that any routines and expectations the setting has allow for a child's individuality eg. until he understands his spitting and is acquiring the skills to control it, could meals/snack times be relaxed so he isn't in such close proximity or feels so overwhelmed that he spits as a response to it?

What interests does he have, which toys and areas does he tend to play in most? What type of activities could be planned to engage him in play that focuses his attention positively? Is being outside an option, what would happen if snack time became a picnic and he was asked to choose/lead where that happens? What building materials are there for him to construct things, move stuff around and come into contact with children that help with what he's doing? How are the durations of him not spitting rewarded?

Best wishes with this xx

[Ruthierhyme]

If it helps further you'll find lots of ideas for ABC charts on google

Antecedent: what was happening immediately before the incident?
Behaviour: what was the behaviour/actions of the child?
Consequences: what happened because of the behaviour?