All behavior is a form of communication. Everybody communicates through behavior. An infant may cry when they are hungry or wet, just like an adult may yawn when they are bored at work. Adults and children are communicating something through their behavior during every moment in every day, even if they are not aware of it.
Knowing how to recognize the cause of challenging behavior can help manage it.
Why Is My Child Acting This Way?
There is always a reason for problem behavior. Children sometimes have trouble communicating, because they may not know the words to describe how they are feeling or what to do in a difficult situation. At these times, children may act out their feelings or needs. Thus children engage in challenging behavior for a reason. The purpose may be getting someone's attention, stopping an activity they don’t like, or gaining sensory pleasure.
There can be many reasons behind one specific behavior. Children with challenging behavior are sending adults the message that something is not right or that their needs are not being met. There could be many reasons for a single behavior, such as being hungry, scared, hurt, tired, bored, wet, sad or angry. Some children have a hard time knowing how to tell adults they are angry, so they act out in ways that get them into trouble. A child who has tried several times to communicate to adults about what he needs, but whose needs remain unmet, will often use problem behavior as a way of sending a very loud message.
Interpreting Your Child's Behavior
Adults can learn to understand and interpret children's challenging behavior. Since children often use their behavior to tell us what they need, adults can help the child by figuring out the meaning behind the child's behavior. All children, but especially those who display challenging behavior, need the consistency of a reliable and loving adult who will provide support and guidance, especially during difficult times. Just as it is important to find meaning in children's behavior, it is equally important for adults to be aware of the meaning in their own behavior. Children learn a lot through the messages that adults send everyday.
Reducing Negative Behavior
Children's challenging behavior can be reduced with support, not punishment. Once adults understand what children are communicating through their behavior, they can respond better. When children feel respected and have their needs met, there is no longer a reason to use challenging behavior to communicate. When adults help children find positive ways to communicate their needs to others, children learn important social and problem-solving skills that will help them throughout their life.
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