Meltdown?.......check the H.I.T.S. list first

Children misbehave for many different reasons. While the word "misbehavior" has developed a negative connotation it is merely a child's attempt to get a need met- just not in a way that is considered acceptable.

Misbehavior = Miscommunication

This post will cover some very basic needs a child may have which might be causing the misbehavior and is a great place to begin.
If the misbehavior is related to one of the items on the H.I.T.S. list, adults can help the child meet those needs quickly.

Your child may be hungry. Hunger can bring out any one's irrational side. Quick fix....offer child food and wait 20 minutes.

You child may feel ill. This may be harder to detect if your child is just beginning to feel sick. Just be aware that misbehavior may proceed the actual illness.

Your child may be tired. Its hard to maintain composure when you are exhausted. Quick fix....a quiet place to rest.

Your child may be stressed. Stress can come from both positive and negative sources. Your child may feel stress when changes occur more often and are new and unpredictable. Try to keep as closely as you can to a familiar routine and provide plenty of notice about what will be happening next. These steps will help reduce some of your child's anxiety and stress.

If your child has repeated misbehavior that is not associated with hunger, illness, tiredness or stress, then we will need to delve deeper. For now check out our post on Positive Behavior Support.