Helping Young Children Through Challenging Behaviors
In this Lunch and Learn session, occupational therapist Nish discusses practical ways to understand and support young children who exhibit challenging behaviors such as aggression, defiance, tantrums, or inattention. It’s a great session for therapists, teachers, and caregivers who want to look beyond the surface of behavior and understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Why Kids Act the Way They Do
One of the biggest takeaways from this talk is that behavior is communication. Every action, whether it’s crying, refusing to listen, or acting out, is a signal about how a child is feeling or what they need.
The Role of Relationships
Connection is everything. Nish explains how strong, caring relationships help kids develop co-regulation, learning to calm down with help from an adult, before they can truly self-regulate on their own.
The ABCs of Behavior
To understand why a behavior happens, Nish walks through the ABCs:
- Antecedent: What happened right before?
- Behavior: What did the child do?
- Consequence: What happened after?
Once you spot the pattern, it’s easier to see if the child is trying to get attention, avoid something, or meet a sensory need.
Real-World Strategies That Work
This video covers a bunch of hands-on strategies professionals can start using right away.
Create Predictable Routines
Kids thrive on structure. Predictable routines give them a sense of security and make transitions smoother.
Model and Teach Expectations
Instead of just telling kids what not to do, show them what the right behavior looks like. Keep communication clear, calm, and positive.
Find What Motivates Each Child
Whether it’s praise, playtime, or small rewards, motivation matters. Engagement goes up when kids feel seen and supported.
Focus on Effort and Small Wins
Nish encourages a strength-based approach, praising effort and progress instead of just results. Little wins build confidence and keep things moving forward.
Stay Calm During Tough Moments
Avoid power struggles when emotions run high. Practicing mindful self-regulation and naming feelings (“I can see you’re frustrated”) can help both the adult and the child cool down faster.
Adjust the Environment
Sometimes the setup makes all the difference. Simplify routines, use visual cues, or add sensory supports to create a calmer space that meets the child’s needs.
Working Together and Reflecting
Nish reminds us that supporting behavior is a team effort. Collaboration with families, teachers, and therapists is key.
Track What You See
Collecting data like when and where behaviors happen helps figure out what’s working and what needs tweaking.
Empower Families
Every plan should reflect the child’s home life, culture, and family priorities. When families feel confident and supported, progress sticks.
Reflect and Adjust
Take time to ask: Was this fair? Was the child ready? Reflection helps everyone grow and keeps the focus on understanding, not blame.
The Big Picture
At its core, this session is about seeing behavior as communication, not defiance. When adults stay curious, connected, and collaborative, kids get the support they need to build emotional skills that last a lifetime.
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