Responding to Challenging Behavior

"Responding Professionally and Compassionately to Challenging Behavior" by Karen Stephens is the lead article in the Beginnings Workshop unit, "When Children are Difficult." In her article, Stephens offers 17 tips for "responding to the spirited children who grace your classroom with their energy." Here are a few of her tips:

• If children begin losing control or become overwhelmed, provide more structure. This can be achieved by offering fewer choices and providing more specific directions to follow...
   
  
• Include movement activities whenever possible. Make sure movement opportunities are scheduled throughout the day...
  
  
• Choose your battles wisely. Avoid power struggles. When disciplining, use clear direction and enforce limits with reasonable, related, and respectful consequences. Avoid overreacting, raising your voice, and issuing ultimatums. Deal with behavior problems calmly and matter of factly. This will help the child gain control and trust in your support and guidance...
  
  
• When YOU become overwhelmed and drained, seek the counsel of a supportive friend or co-worker. Find someone you trust who will just listen and can give you the release you need to face the next day with an optimistic attitude.

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