How to manage challenging behaviours

Understanding the causes of challenging behaviours

Supporting children who are exhibiting challenging behaviours is stressful, as it wreaks havoc on all involved, particularly if the behaviours are endangering the safety and wellbeing of the child and those around them. Knowing what is expected in terms of responding appropriately and within the guidelines of professional standards is paramount. Drawing on and implementing evidenced based practice is another key factor for success. Theory of child development, attachment and hierarchy of needs are also crucial in helping educators to understand what is happening and why.

Professional standards set a benchmark

The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) set an expectation of professional knowledge that underpins teaching and learning practice, including managing challenging behaviour and maintaining student/ children’s safety. These standards are an example of one of the professional standards that Quality are 4 of the National Quality Standard requires all educators to draw on to inform practice. The national regulations and quality standards also provide guidance for educators in terms of interactions, groupings and ensuring educators use strategies that support the dignity and rights of children and young people.

Practical strategies to promote prosocial behaviours

The first and most critical step is to know and understand children, how they develop and respond in different situations. This includes an understanding of age and stage appropriate expectations, often the child isn’t the biggest problem in these situations it is that the expectations are not appropriate. The next step is to know and understand your context and what children and families are experiencing including trauma and temporary or ongoing stresses. Finally understanding and critically reflecting on your own attitudes and biases will help you to improve your practice and consider whole of service or school improvements.

The end goal of considerate behaviour

Louise Porter is a well-respected child psychologist who specialises in supporting children, families and educators understand and manage challenging behaviours. Louise states ‘I am passionate about safeguarding children’s self-esteem, promoting their social skills, and supporting their resilience in the face of the challenges that life often raises, and to teach them to behave considerately, being mindful of how their behaviour affects others, rather than what consequences it may earn them.’ This rethinking and reframing of behaviour and how we respond has the power to transform even in the most challenging of settings and with the most difficult behaviours. Knowing, valuing and investing in the individual child and supporting their learning to regulate emotions, stresses and responses sets the child up as a capable, successful learner.

Support to make changes

If you would like to know about how to support children’s behaviour in ways that enhance positive outcomes for all, including an individual learning plan and Quality Improvement Planning examples purchase our Supporting children’s behaviour course today. If you think that some of these challenging behaviours are emerging from diagnosed or undiagnosed additional needs you find our Supporting children with a disability and or additional needs course helpful as well.

Critical reflection provocations

Below a few critical reflection provocations for working collaboratively as a team to consider how you can draw on theory and research to better understand and manage challenging behaviours.

1. How familiar are you and your team with the expectations and requirements around interactions and grouping of children?
2. Do you know what sits behind these challenging behaviours including what needs, stresses and challenges children are facing?
3. How do you think your environments, routines and program are helping or hindering challenging behaviours?
4. Is there room for improvement with guiding children’s behaviour in your service?

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Related Early Years Learning Hub resources;

• What to teach and how children learn
• How to teach
• Program bundle