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Learning is not a single event—it is a dynamic, ongoing process shaped by relationships, routines, expectations, and emotional safety. While many schools focus on curriculum delivery and academic outcomes, research and practice increasingly show that how students experience learning environments is just as important as what they learn. One powerful way to strengthen learning environments is through the use of positive learning methods supported by a Positive Systems Framework

A Positive Systems Analysis of Jeremiah Introduction: A Child Caught in Failing Systems Jeremiah is a 10-year-old Neurodivergent boy with prior diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD Without Accompanying Intellectual Impairment) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who has been experiencing escalating behavioural challenges across home and school environments. His presentation includes multiple daily outbursts characterized by screaming, physical aggression

Behaviour management is a critical aspect of education, healthcare, and social services. However, implementing behaviour management interventions without embedding them within a Positive Systems Approach can be not only ineffective but also unethical. Drawing upon insights from the books What if it's Not Just the Behaviour? and Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach , this post explores why behaviour management must be part of a broader, positive fr

As parents, we've all been there: a sudden meltdown in the grocery store, a defiant "NO!" that echoes through the house, or a sibling squabble that escalates from playful to painful in seconds. In these moments, it's easy to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even to label our child as "naughty" or "stubborn." But what if we told you there's a different way to look at these challenging behaviors? What if, instead of defiance, you saw a brain system in overdrive, a little "secur

Why Behaviour Charts Only Go So Far Behaviour charts are built on a simple idea: reward the behaviour you want, reduce the behaviour you don’t. In the short term, this can lead to quick compliance. A child might clean their room, follow instructions, or hold it together long enough to earn a reward. The problem is what charts don’t address. They don’t teach emotional regulation. They don’t build coping skills. They don’t explain why a child is struggling in the first place.

Learning is a lifelong journey that shapes how we grow, adapt, and succeed. Whether in school, the workplace, or personal development, adopting effective learning methods can transform the experience and outcomes. One powerful way to enhance learning is by embracing positive learning strategies that focus on building strengths, fostering motivation, and creating supportive environments. This blog post explores how these strategies work, why they matter, and how you can apply

Parenting a child with ADHD can be both rewarding and challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often require unique approaches to help them thrive. This guide offers practical advice and actionable strategies to support your child’s growth, improve family dynamics, and foster a positive environment. Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Parenting ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and i

Parents often ask me a simple question: “Why does my child fall apart the moment things don’t go as planned?” The truth is not simple, but the solution can be. Children thrive when life feels predictable. When the rules shift, routines wobble, or adults respond differently from one moment to the next, anxiety jumps and behaviour follows. In the Positive Systems Approach (PSA), consistency is more than a parenting technique. It’s the engine that makes every other strategy work

Beyond time-outs, children need emotional skills they can use for life—skills like calming their bodies, naming their feelings, and solving problems when things go wrong. A Positive Systems Approach (PSA) focuses on teaching these skills directly, rather than just reacting to behaviour in the moment.​ From Behaviour Control to Skill Building Traditional behaviour management often focuses on stopping outbursts quickly, but it may not teach children what to do instead when big

Ethan’s behavior was causing significant concerns at home and daycare. When told “no” or asked to wait, he would scream, bite himself, or collapse on the floor in frustration. In social situations like soccer practice, he often hid behind his father’s leg, crying uncontrollably. At home, simple requests like “time to clean up” could spiral into chaos. Sarah described it perfectly: “We felt like nothing worked — we tried being supportive as well as timeouts, threats, even rea

Parenting a child whose behaviour disrupts daily life can feel like an unending cycle of exhaustion, guilt, and second-guessing. Yet, as Dr. Bob Carey illustrates in What if it’s Not Just the Behaviour? , the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) transforms these struggles into opportunities for connection and growth. PSA integrates the precision of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) with the holistic lens of systems theory and the heart of compassionate care. It views behaviour as c

In today’s complex world, organizations and individuals alike face challenges that require more than quick fixes. To truly transform outcomes, a deeper, more holistic approach is necessary. This is where systematic positive strategies come into play. These strategies focus on understanding and improving the entire system through careful consideration of root causes of issues and conducting detailed analsyis of the whole system rather than isolated parts, leading to sustainabl

Parenting a child with ADHD can be both rewarding and challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often require unique approaches to help them thrive. Understanding how to support their needs with patience and structure can make a significant difference in their development and family harmony. This article explores practical ADHD parenting techniques that can empower you to create a positive environment for your child. Understanding ADHD Parenting Tech

In our daily interactions, we often encounter behaviours that puzzle us. Whether it's a child acting out, a colleague reacting unexpectedly, or even our own habits, understanding why people behave the way they do can be a powerful tool. This is where the concept of behaviour detectives comes into play. These individuals or professionals analyze behaviour patterns to uncover the underlying causes and help guide positive change. By learning to observe and interpret behaviour, a

Emphasizing Non-Contingent Reinforcement and Connection By Dr. Bob Carey Description Learn how to use positive reinforcement without turning it into bribery. Dr. Bob Carey explains the concept of non-contingent reinforcement, the “Good Feeling Tank,” and how connection—not control—creates lasting behavioural change. Keywords positive systems approach, non-contingent reinforcement, positive parenting, Dr. Bob Carey, emotional connection, child behaviour, parenting strategies,

In today’s complex world, finding ways to improve our personal and professional lives can feel overwhelming. However, adopting a positive systems methodology offers a structured and effective way to create meaningful change. This approach focuses on understanding and leveraging the strengths within systems—whether they are individuals, organizations, or communities—to foster growth, resilience, and success. By exploring the principles behind this methodology, you can learn h

Children thrive on predictability. For many parents, that statement sounds simple enough—but when you live with a child whose emotions or...

In today’s fast-paced world, personal growth is more important than ever. Many people seek ways to improve their mindset, habits, and...

Parenting is often described as the toughest job in the world. When your child explodes in anger, refuses to listen, or gets stuck in a...

A recent Globe and Mail article (“N.B. Hospital Used Seclusion Rooms and Physical Restraints, Report Shows” The Globe and Mail, Sept 24,...