There are lots of ways to get started. The main thing is that you make it very easy for yourself and the child. Start with something that the child can definitely do so that you have success right away. Start when the child is calm and in a receptive mood. Start with something the child likes to do.

If you can’t think of anything to tag, or your child is not offering an obvious behavior, you can always tag exhalations. Your child must be breathing! So you can tag each exhale. This has the added benefit of calming both you and the child.

Here are some suggestions for getting started:

• Tag a behavior that is already happening
• Have child ask you for the reinforcer (please may I have a blueberry?)
• Tag an easy behavior (stand on tiptoes, point to you nose etc.)
• Tag “exhale”