BRP – Introduction To Behaviors

INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOR

What Is Behavior?

Behavior refers to how a child acts and responds in different situations. The action/response is what we can see and observe. This includes both positive behaviors (like following directions, joining activities, or helping others) and challenging behaviors (like saying “no,” getting upset, or having trouble staying focused).

Behavior is a form of communication. Sometimes children show us what they need or how they feel through their actions, especially when the child has no formal and/or informal way of communicating them. Understanding the meaning behind a child’s behavior helps parents and teachers work together to support them and teach new skills.

Understanding Behavior Challenges

Behaviors are complicated and can occur/develop for a number of reasons. Genetics, brain development, home environment, disability(ies), different medications, and more. Understanding behavioral challenges is crucial to dealing with them. Understanding helps parents, caregivers, teachers, and all others see beyond the behavior itself and understand what a child is trying to communicate. Every behavior has a reason or purpose — even when it’s difficult to manage.

Why Behavior Is Communication

Behavior is communication because it’s one of the primary ways people express their needs, feelings, and thoughts. This is especially true for children or individuals with disabilities who don’t have the words to express themselves.

Here’s what that means:

All behavior has a purpose. Whether a child is crying, refusing to work, acting out, temper tantruming, etc., they are trying to tell us something. It can be something as simple as “I am bored” to something more complicated that cannot be easily determined.

It’s a form of expression. When verbal language isn’t enough or isn’t yet developed, behavior becomes the “voice.” It communicates emotions such as frustration, excitement, fear, or confusion.

It helps identify unmet needs. Looking at behavior as communication shifts the question from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What is this child trying to tell me?” This mindset helps adults respond with understanding instead of punishment.

It guides support strategies. When we understand what the behavior is communicating, we can teach new skills—like using words, gestures, or coping tools—to replace challenging behaviors.

Your Role As The Parent(s)

The short version… as a parent, your role in dealing with your child’s behavior is so important! Your job is to understand, to guide, and support them as they learn how to express themselves in healthy ways. Stay calm and look for what your child’s behavior might be telling you—whether they’re tired, frustrated, or need attention. Teach and model positive ways to handle emotions, such as using words or taking a break. With patience, consistency, and understanding, you help your child build the skills they need to communicate and cope more effectively.

Remember...

These behaviors are not always about “bad choices”. Yes, there are those students who engage in certain behaviors because they are choosing to. We all have those students who likes to push the boundaries! But, often times, behaviors reflect student’s difficulties with communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs, or executive functioning.

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