Try our 7 top tips in dealing with children’s challenging behaviour
Challenging behaviour in children can be presented in many ways such as biting, hitting or refusal to carry out instructions. Children often display challenging behaviour for a variety of reasons. Life changes such as a new baby in the family or parents splitting up can impact on a child’s emotional development and behaviour. It is important to observe the behaviour to pick out any contributing factors and support the child and family through this challenging period. This can be done through a range of tracking observations, noting down particular times of the day or areas of the room that the child’s behaviour changes.
Here are some top tips to tackle challenging behaviour
Focus on the positives
When a child is displaying challenging behaviour it can be difficult to ignore, however focusing on the positive things a child does can help change their thinking. Children often misbehave for attention, even if this attention is negative. Using positive reinforcement such as stickers can support a child to gain attention for doing something right, whilst the unwanted behaviour gains no recognition.
Traffic lights
Using a traffic light system can support children who are displaying challenging behaviour giving them a visual representation of their behaviour. Using photos to move the child between green amber and red on the traffic light can help them to understand their behaviour. If a child moves to amber they are able to see that they can improve their behaviour and move back to green, but if they continue they will be moved to red. Visual reminders give children the opportunity to rectify their behaviour.
Buddy system
Having a buddy can support children who display challenging behaviour. The practitioner can help the child to understand their behaviour by having a “buddy” to talk to when they are upset. Younger children are still very egocentric but can use a buddy to build on their empathy skills, talking about how they may feel if their “buddy” was doing something unkind.
Books about Emotions
There are many books available that talk about feelings and emotions. Using these can help a child to understand and process their feelings. Many children who get angry or violent at a young age often struggle to manage their feelings. Jane Asher has written a series of books about an alien called Moppy, each book displaying a different feeling. These stories can offer children a character to familiarise with, whilst supporting them in understanding their emotions.
Sand timers
Sand timers are a great way to allow a child the time to sit and reflect on their behaviour. Once a child is asked to sit out, they can be given the sand timer allowing them to see how long they must sit down for. Watching the sand fall can be relaxing and help some children calm down. Sand timers are available in different time slots, a child should only be expected to sit for one minute per year of their age.
Mark Making
For a child who is displaying challenging behaviour, mark making activities can help them to channel their behaviour. Children are able to take out some of their frustration on the materials. Play dough is a great way for the children to squeeze and squash, getting their anger out in a safe way. Children can also use their creative skills to draw pictures of what makes them sad or angry, helping them to explain their feeling through pictures.
Helper Jobs
Offering children an incentive can eliminate unwanted behaviour. Being a ‘helper’ can give children something to aim for whilst giving them some responsibility. Helper jobs can include being the line leader or collecting the cups after snack. Children enjoy feeling important and valued, and this can help rectify the unwanted behaviour.