10 Ways to Manage Challenging Behaviour during Early Years
Children who display challenging behaviour don’t usually do so ‘just because they want to’. There’s often a reason behind their behaviour or it might be their only way of telling you something’s wrong. All behaviour is a form of communication. Especially, in a classroom environment, one of the biggest obstacles you may face is dealing with children with challenging behaviour. Not only does the child affect your class while you are teaching or trying to maintain control, but they also disrupt the productivity of the class as a whole.
Here I have discussed ten ways, which parents and practitioners can implement if they observe challenging behaviour in the children.
1. Be decisive - know when to step in and control behaviour - when teachers are not sure when they should step in and when they should let children work the situation, it often leads to children behave in any manner they want. In this case also the two children should not be allowed to hurt each other, hurt themselves or destroy property.
2. When trouble brews, take action yourself before the child does – when the situation starts to worsen, teachers should not sit back and let the things get out of hand and then finally pitch in to pick up the pieces. If the situation is such which needs immediate action as is the case here, I think it is advisable to get involved and separate the two children and counsel them. When intervening, it is important to be as gentle as possible and yet be firm enough that the child cannot slip away. Every instance where teacher restraint is used should be followed by a guidance talk with those involved so that the children can process the high emotion that just took place and figure out ways to manage their behaviour in the future.
3. Keeping emotions under control – one way children learn is by observing and modelling. It’s important that we keep our emotions and tempers in control because by doing so we provide a model of self-control for the children to copy. Also, when there is conflict, the whole class is involved by watching and learning from the situation. So, it’s important to discuss what happened in the class and guide them out about proper behaviour.
4. Don’t make instantaneous decision – It’s not wise to jump to conclusions and make decisions. That's why it's required that you need to calm down the two children involved first and then have a word with them separately. And eventually provide assistance and guidance.
5. Emphasise the positive aspects of sharing - Point out that sharing a toy is generous and kind. In addition, point out that other children will also share their toys. Everyone will get to play with new and different items. When toddlers continue to fight over toys, it's best to separate them and give them time to cool down. Do not allow them to continue snatching toys back and forth. Wait until everyone is calm, and then try to piece together what happened – not so much to determine who is “guilty” but to find an acceptable solution to the problem.
6. Validate toddlers' feelings - In general, it's best to approach fights over toys with compassion and understanding. Let children know that their feelings are valid. It's fine to say, “I know it makes you sad and angry to share this truck, and that's okay. It's fine to be sad and angry. But you need to be a good friend and let Johnny have a turn.
7. If one of the children is very upset, you need to take time to calm that child down and validate his/her feelings before you attempt to teach a lesson about sharing. When children are upset, they cannot focus well on learning; they will just get more upset if you try to scold or lecture them.
8. Refrain from taking sides - Remain neutral, and don't pay too much attention to which child started the argument. Even if one toddler is clearly wrong, it's not going to help much to discuss it. Focus on finding a solution.
9. Resist the urge to label children. Even if one particular toddler is frequently the cause of fights over toys, it helps nothing to label him or her as a “bully” or “meanie.” You should not call children “selfish” or “greedy,” and you should never call them names. Doing so may affect their self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, if you call a child a bully, he or she may start believing it; this will only lead to more of the behaviour that you are trying to stop.
10. Praise children when they comply. When toddlers are calm and cooperative again, offer lots of praise. Give them hugs and congratulate them for learning to calm themselves down and work together.
Therefore, it’s essential that you understand the causes of challenging behaviour and know what strategies will help you deal with it. Whilst you may not necessarily be able to control its causes, you must be aware of these strategies which can be helpful in dealing with challenging behaviour in the classroom or at home.