Why Children’s Unmet Needs Can Show Up as Challenging Behavior
A child who refuses to join an activity, becomes upset during a lesson, or struggles to follow directions may be showing more than an unwillingness to cooperate. Sometimes, behavior reflects a need that has not yet been understood. The challenge for adults is to look beyond the action and consider what may be influencing it. […]
When Children Are Labeled, Their Strengths Can Be Overlooked
A few words can change how we see a child. When adults call a child difficult, defiant, lazy, or disruptive, those words can begin to shape every interaction. Instead of seeing a child who is learning, struggling, or responding to a situation, adults may see only the label. Over time, this can hide a child’s […]
How Age, Culture, Environment, and Personality Shape Children’s Behavior
Have you ever wondered why two children of the same age behave differently in the same situation? One child speaks openly, while another stays quiet. One follows instructions quickly, while another needs more time and support. Children’s behavior has many influences. Their age, culture, environment, personality, and individual needs all play a role. When adults […]
Why Understanding Children’s Behavior Should Come Before Discipline
When a child refuses to follow directions, becomes upset, interrupts others, or struggles during a transition, adults often feel the need to respond right away. But what if the behavior is telling us something we cannot see? Cultural Context Discipline™, created by educator and child advocate Ellise Boyd-Johnson, M.A.Ed., offers a different way to approach […]
