The Roots of Challenging Behavior

By LaToya C. Dawkins

 

In everyday life, some days are better than others. For preschoolers, the worse days sometimes brings out the most challenging side of them. We can tell that they are not their normal selves and we get concerned. Oftentimes, we may try to find solutions to remedy their challenging behavior for that present moment, however, when challenging behavior seems to be a consistent issue considering the roots of the challenging behavior would be more affective.  Throwing themselves on the floor, folding their arms, silent resistance, and screaming are the typical challenging behaviors we see in preschoolers and these actions speak louder than words. We can help preschoolers by listening carefully to what they tell us through their actions.

 

A Cry for Help

 

Tiredness, hunger, and sickness are the top three things that can make your preschooler more difficult than usually. Usually, when these setbacks are dealt with we can almost notice immediate changes in our preschoolers. The feeling of being loved and appreciated, feeling of being safe and secure, exercise and physical activities, adequate nutrition including enough water, constructive guidance, play, and, DAP (developmentally appropriate practices/principles) are other unmet needs that may be causing the challenging behavior. The best way to understand what anyone is dealing with is to put ourselves in their shoes. Taking a walk in your preschoolers shoes, making an outline of their everyday schedule, reviewing major events that may have happened in the past few months (moving, changing schools, etc,.), observing the timing of the most challenging behavior, and listening to the few things they do say may help you understand those deeper unmet needs.

 

Coming to a Solution

 

Decision-making model

 

The decision-making model is one format to help you determine the solutions of the challenging behavior. First, observe yourself and the things you may be doing to influence or support the challenging behavior and then observe the challenging behavior in the “W way,” when does it happen, where it happens, why it happens, what happened before the challenging behavior, and who is involved. Second, decide if the issue is developmental, meaning consider the child’s age and if they have reach the appropriate developmental age to respond appropriately or is it based on unmet needs. Next, take action after you have decided what may be causing the challenging behavior then you will be better equipped to take the appropriate action. Lastly, reflect on the steps you took: Were they effective and was your preschooler’s challenging behavior reformed?

 

KWL Solution

 

The KWL solution is another format that may help you determine solutions for the challenging behavior your preschooler may be dealing with. First, ask yourself what do you know about your preschooler’s characteristics and how have they responded to different stressors. Second, what do you want to know about your preschooler? Perhaps, there are similar issues at school or maybe a play date at a friend’s house can provide you with another parental perspective. Lastly, considering the previous step, what have you learned about your preschooler and how can this information help you come to a solution concerning their challenging behavior?

 

These two models can help you fill in the gaps about your preschooler’s stressors and roots of their challenging behavior. As they develop and grow, they also can become reflective practitioners and use the same models to respond appropriately to everyday challenges.  

 

Marion, Marian 2007 "Challenging Behavior." Guidance of Young Children 7th Ed. pp. 280-90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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