Children often behave in ways we may not understand. It’s impossible to know exactly what is happening in their head, which can sometimes worry parents. Preschool teachers are taught that children’s behavior is the key to communication. They shared some of the best tips that parents can use when observing their children’s behavior. 

The first tip they shared is to look for patterns. Behaviors that occur repeatedly happen for a reason. Finding the pattern in which the behavior occurs is essential for stopping it. Preschool teachers recommend writing down when certain behaviors take place. Writing down behaviors can help parents remember when and why the behavior occurred.

The second tip given was the ABCs of behavior. The ABCs of behavior is what teachers refer to as the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence model. This model essentially looks for what happened before the behavior, what the behavior was, and what happened right after. Understanding the catalyst and consequences of the behavior is crucial for determining why it might have taken place.

Many teachers emphasize the importance of writing down observations when stuck trying to understand a child’s behavior. Identifying the pattern is the first step to changing it. Writing down behavior may feel weird at first, but it will be greatly beneficial in the long run.

Read the full article here.

Emma Dineen

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant

---