Detective work

By Elysa Philip

Challenging behaviours can range from temper tantrums, flopping to the ground in front of a crowd, not cleaning up a bedroom, to refusing to do homework or ‘talking back’. Don’t be discouraged—there are things you can do.

Children engage in challenging behaviours not because they are ‘mischievous’ or ‘un-disciplined’,’ but because the behaviour serves a purpose or function for them. Often, behaviours are not deliberate, but rather ‘learned responses’—the child has learned challenging behaviours can get them what they need or want.

A child may use a challenging behaviour in place of language or reasoning because they have not yet learned those necessary skills. Discovering the purpose or function of your child’s behaviour is your first task.

Begin by looking at what happens before the behaviours occur: is the child tired? Did you call them from a desired activity to participate in an undesired task? Is the child challenged by what’s going on in the environment? This information will help you discover why the behaviour occurs and when it might happen again.

Next, look at what happens after the behaviours occur. Did the child get what they wanted through their behaviour? Did they escape doing something they didn’t want?

Once the function of the behaviour is figured out you have a chance to teach the child an appropriate behaviour to replace the challenging behaviour with one equally effective and efficient for the child.

Remember, your child’s challenging behaviour may be completely normal for his or her age or developmental level, but if behaviours continue to be problematic, seek help. Speak to your family doctor, school personnel or community professional if you are unsure.

n Elysa Philip is a Behaviour Consultant and Manager of the Positive Behavioural Support Program at Reach Child and Youth Development Society. Reach provides programs for children from birth to 19 and their families. For more information call 604-946-6622 or visit www.reachdevelopment.org.

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