How to Handle Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Settings - post

Why Is My Student Acting This Way?

Every #teacher has been there. You are reading a story, and suddenly, two children are fighting over a toy. Or maybe a child throws their lunch on the floor. It can feel frustrating. You might ask yourself, "Why are they doing this?"

The first step to handling challenging behavior is to change how we see it. Behavior is a form of communication. When a child hits, screams, or runs away, they are trying to tell you something. They might be saying, "I am tired," "I am hungry," or "I am overwhelmed."

Young children do not always have the words to say how they feel. So, they use their bodies. Instead of seeing a "bad child," try to see a child who needs help. This shift in thinking is the heart of #EarlyChildhoodEducation.

How Can We Prevent Problems Before They Start?

The best way to handle challenging behavior is to stop it before it happens. This is called prevention. A chaotic or confusing #classroom can cause bad behavior. A calm and organized classroom helps children behave well.

Here are three ways to prevent issues:

• Stick to a Routine: Children feel safe when they know what comes next. If the day is unpredictable, they get anxious. Use a picture schedule on the wall so they can see the plan.
• Check the Environment: Is the room too loud? Are there too many toys or not enough? Sometimes, changing the room arrangement can stop running or fighting.
• Give Clear Warnings: No one likes to stop playing suddenly. Give a warning. Say, "Five more minutes, then we clean up." This helps them prepare. 

To learn more about setting up a positive environment, you can take the course Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light. It teaches you how to guide children gently instead of just punishing them. 

What Should You Do in the Moment?

Even with the best plan, behaviors will happen. When a child loses control, you must stay calm. If you get angry, the child will get more upset. This is like adding fuel to a fire.

Follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath. Lower your voice.
2. Ensure Safety: If children are hurting each other, separate them gently.
3. Connect Before You Correct: Get down to the child's eye level. Acknowledge their feelings. "I see you are very mad."
4. Set the Limit: Be firm but kind. "It is okay to be mad. It is not okay to hit."

This approach helps the child calm down. It teaches them that you are there to help, not to scare them. This builds trust.

How Do We Teach Better Behavior?

Stopping bad behavior is only half the job. We also need to teach the child what to do instead. If a child hits to get a toy, we need to teach them to ask for a turn.

This is where #SocialEmotionalLearning comes in. We must teach skills like:

• Waiting for a turn.
• Using words to #express anger.
• Taking deep breaths to calm down.

You can use puppets or #books to teach these skills during circle time. Do not wait for a meltdown to teach a lesson. Teach the skills when everyone is #happy and calm.

Building strong relationships with children is the foundation of this teaching. If a child feels loved and respected, they will want to listen to you. The course Connections That Count: Building Relationships in Child Care focuses on how to build these bonds.

How Can You Find the Root Cause?

Sometimes, a behavior keeps happening. You try everything, but nothing works. In this case, you need to be a detective. You need to find the "trigger."

Observe the child closely. Ask these questions:

• When does it happen? (Is it always before lunch? Maybe they are hungry.)
• Who is around? (Do they fight with the same friend?)
• What happens after? (Do they get extra attention when they scream?)

We have a helpful Behavior Log in our #free resources section. You can use it to track these patterns. Once you know the pattern, you can change the situation to help the child succeed.

• ChildCareEd Free Resources

Why Is Consistency Important? 

Children need consistency. If you let them jump on the couch today but yell at them for it tomorrow, they will be confused. All the teachers in the room must follow the same rules. 

You also need to work with the #parents. If the rules at school are very different from the rules at #home, it is hard for the child. Talk to the parents. Share what you are doing in class. Ask them what works at home. When you work together as a team, the child feels supported.

How Do You Take Care of Yourself?

Dealing with #ChallengingBehavior is exhausting. It is okay to feel tired. It is okay to ask for help. If you feel yourself getting angry, step away for a moment if it is safe. Ask another teacher to step in.

Remember, you are human. You are doing a hard job. By staying calm and consistent, you are teaching children important life skills. You are teaching them how to handle their emotions. This is a gift that will help them forever.

For more tips on this topic, read our article about positive discipline strategies. It gives you more tools for your toolbox.

• Read More: Educational Articles

Are You Ready to Turn Challenges into Opportunities? 

Every challenging behavior is an opportunity to teach. It is a chance to help a child grow. With patience, observation, and a positive attitude, you can transform your classroom.

Start small. Pick one strategy to try this week. Maybe it is using a visual schedule. Maybe it is taking a deep breath before you react. You have the power to make a difference.

Join our community on Facebook to share your success stories. We are all in this together!

Follow us on Facebook for daily tips and support!