Challenging behaviour: Shift your focus from the ‘what’ to the ‘why’

In my two decades supporting families as a paediatric occupational therapist, I have seen that behind every child's behaviour, there are underlying reasons, and understanding these reasons empowers us to offer more effective support.

All behaviours have a reason

Every behaviour serves a purpose and fulfils a specific need. Challenging behaviours often stem from the child's attempt to find comfort and safety within themselves, although they might not even be aware of the exact reasons behind their actions.

When children exhibit challenging behaviours, they are typically far from calm and connected, but rather closer to a “fight” or “flight” response mode. In this state, they’re not able to engage in higher level thinking and reasoning, as they focus on restoring a sense of safety in their minds, bodies, and emotions. Therefore, it's essential for caregivers to play the role of detectives, seeking to discover the catalysts behind their behaviour.