Discovering the Causes of Behavior Problems (page 2)

The best way to determine the cause of a child's behavior is to observe the child carefully and record your observations. Ask yourself the following types of questions as a guide toward discovering the causes of a behavior problem: (There may be several "right" answers.)

Is the environment meeting this child's needs?

• Enough movement?
• Enough privacy?
• Enough space?
• Sufficient materials?

Is the program meeting this child's needs?

• Appropriate challenge?
• Personal interest?
• Meaningful?

Are behavioral expectations appropriate for this child?

• Developmentally?
• Culturally?
• Temperamentally?

Does the child have unmet physical needs?

• Hungry?
• Tired?

Does the child have unmet emotional needs?

• Friendship?
• Trust?
• Self-esteem?
• Personal power?
• Attention?

Is this child missing some social skills?

• Perspective taking?
• Entering play?

Does this child need help with communication skills?

• "I messages"?
• Negotiation?

Is the behavior a result of inappropriate role models?

• Television?
• Admired adults?
• Admired peers?

Does this child understand why a behavior is important?

• No experience with outcomes?
• Has this child learned negative ways of getting needs met?
• Received attention for inappropriate behavior?