In Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) phase, which actions do parents learn?

• A. Use time-out for noncompliance
• B. Reflect statements and praising appropriate behavior while ignoring undesirable behavior
• C. Give direct commands
• D. Observe without feedback

Answer: (B)

In the CDI phase, the focus is on building positive, child-led interactions. Parents learn to use reflective statements (echoing the child’s words or actions), provide specific, labeled praise for appropriate behavior, and ignore minor misbehavior by not attending to it. This approach strengthens the parent–child relationship and increases desirable behaviors through positive attention.

Time-outs, direct commands, and punitive responses are not the elements taught in CDI; those strategies are typically introduced in the later Parent-Directed Interaction phase, where parents learn to give clear commands and apply consequences like time-out for noncompliance. During CDI, the therapist coaches in real time to help parents implement reflective listening, labeled praise, and strategic ignoring of minor misbehavior, rather than observing without feedback.