7 Chapters for Exploring Difficult Behavior: In the following 7 chapters, we will explore new understandings for thinking about difficult behavior, how to anticipate and…
1. What does it mean, and how do we respond? Introduction Every child, regardless of background or ability, will display difficult behavior at some…
Understanding children’s behavior—especially difficult or puzzling behavior—requires more than surface observation. What looks like stubbornness, aggression, or withdrawal is often rooted in deeper developmental,…
Fear is one of the most powerful forces shaping children’s behavior. It can arise from obvious external events, like a frightening accident, but also from…
If fear disrupts development, then safety is its foundation. For children to thrive—emotionally, cognitively, and socially—they must experience safety not just as an abstract idea,…
Dysregulation What does it mean, and how do we respond? Dysregulation is a central cause of many challenging behaviors. Think of dysregulation as the loss…
Hidden Triggers What does it mean, and how do we respond? One of the most challenging aspects of working with children who display difficult behavior…