Step 2: Observe
After you “Stop!” the next step is to observe to become more aware of the circumstances, including the physical space, the arrangement of objects, other people, and the child. We ask ourselves: what is really going on here? As you gather the facts you can begin to form explanations or hunches about the causes of the problem. This step can happen fast, within moments or could occur after considerable contemplation.
In the Journal example, your second step is to “read” the situation quickly. What really happened here? What did each of the children do? Did Jamie really bite Cindy? How serious is the bite? Has he done this before? What is going on with him?
In this situation, you might tentatively conclude that Jamie bit Cindy because she had grabbed his teddy. You know he is very possessive of his teddy bear.
Next: Focus