The Behavol Story

In 2002, Suzanne and Thomas Fruth created Behavol to provide parents with a safe and effective tool for modifying inappropriate behaviors that are common with children. The Fruths, both elementary teachers and the parents of triplets, got the inspiration for Behavol by testing the theory that behaviors can be treated the same as other health issues. They accomplished this by designing a product that was specifically targetted for inappropriate behaviors. Behavol makes behavior modification simple and safe so that children will be more likely to have a positive and effective response.

The Fruth’s mixed the first version of Behavol, using natural and common food products in an empty bottle with a bulb dropper and labeled it “Yucky Medicine.” The handwritten label claimed that the liquid solution stopped biting; a problem the couple was having with their son at the time. When their son bit his sisters, he got “Yucky Medicine” to help him remember that biting hurts. After three applications the biting disappeared for good. Even though the solution contains no drugs or active ingredients, it was discovered to have clinical benefits. The process was so successful that the Fruth’s decided to apply it toward modifying other inappropriate behaviors.

They soon realized that “Yucky Medicine” worked for altering many behaviors such as spitting, potty mouth, hitting, pushing, kicking and pulling hair. In most cases, just seeing the bottle was enough to change the child’s conduct. After much success, the Fruth’s were convinced that their approach, soon to become known as Behavol, could help other parents teach their children the boundaries of appropriate behavior.

Behavol Philosophy

Like many parents, the Fruth’s believe that the techniques of positive discipline are the most effective practices in raising happy, secure and responsible children. Before ever using Behavol, parents should communicate the boundaries and expectations of appropriate behavior and provide encouragement and praise when their children act accordingly. When children need correcting of an inappropriate behavior, parents may give the child a “time-out” or deny a reward or privilege, but such interventions may not always work.

Behavol was designed as a learning aid to be applied in association with a targeted behavior, which should be discussed between the child and parent beforehand (e.g. - “I’m giving you Behavol to help you remember that hitting hurts”). Behavol is a useful tool in teaching children that negative behaviors can have unpleasant results. When Behavol is associated with a behavior, the behavior is usually modified or ceased within several applications. Beyond behavior modification, Behavol can also help teach children self-control and to take responsibility for their actions.

Behavol should not be a parent’s first recourse for discipline and the product should not be used out of frustration or anger, which can negate a positive learning opportunity. The purpose of Behavol is to help teach children why certain behaviors are inappropriate. Behavol should never be used for developmental behaviors like potty training, speech, cognitive ability, motor skills or emotional development. Most importantly, Behavol should be used sparingly and only after other strategies have been unsuccessful.

The Rest of the Story

A bottle of Behavol still exists in the Fruth’s household, but it has not been applied for some time. Merely the sight of the product is enough to stop inappropriate behavior. The Fruth triplets are now in 1st grade and each received an “Award of Excellence” for their most recent academic achievements. Suzanne and Thomas provide additional support of their children by volunteering to coach in youth sports leagues and helping in their children’s classrooms.

The Fruth family also supports Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Children’s Miracle Network. Their family’s personal miracles would not have been realized without these vital organizations.

Guarantee

Behavol is as much a process as it is a product. The product is satisfaction-guaranteed for 30 days. Behavol greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide a safe and effective alternative for parents to assist them with the many challenges of parenting.