It is helpful to know what is behind a misbehavior in a child. Remember, all behavior has a purpose. Therefore, finding out why the child is misbehaving is important. Most misbehavior can be categorized into one of four types of behavior. They are: 1) Acting out for attention, 2) Withdrawing for protection, 3) Being defensive for protection, or 4) Being disorganized.

1) Acting Out

Hitting, punching, swearing, disruption, mean, aggressive, self-abusive, spitting, destructive, hurtful, violent

       The purpose of these types of behaviors is to get

attention. They are signs that something is wrong. Many

children lack the ability to know or tell you what is wrong,

therefore, they get your attention in ways in which they

know you will respond. Remember, for many children, even

negative attention is better than no attention at all.

2) Withdrawing

Baby talk, baby-like actions, fears, phobias, depressing, refusing to interact, loss of speech, hiding, rocking, looking right through you, refusing to look at you, not responding when called

          Be careful with this one. Sometimes withdrawing is for the

purpose of getting attention and not for escaping from what

is going on.  How do you know which one it is? You have to

play the detective and look for clues. Is the withdrawal

serious? Sincere? Or, can the child turn it on and off at will

when the purpose suits him/her?

Real withdrawing is a defense mechanism which will be