Use this child behaviour infographic during a difficult moment, after an incident, or as part of a conversation with a child’s support network. It helps parents, carers, teachers and practitioners move beyond the idea that a child is simply being naughty or deliberately difficult, and consider the needs, feelings and barriers that may be influencing their behaviour.
Greater understanding and more compassionate responses are the outcomes this child behaviour support poster is designed to encourage. It contrasts the common assumption that a child is “being naughty or doing it on purpose” with a practical reminder that behaviour can communicate an underlying need, difficulty or emotional experience.
A large colour-coded circle identifies eight possible factors behind challenging behaviour, distressed behaviour or dysregulation: physical needs such as being tired, hungry or uncomfortable; difficulty communicating; development and skills; big feelings; stress or change; sensory needs; a need for connection; and unmet needs. The visual format makes the ideas easy to scan and discuss.
Parents and foster carers could keep the poster visible at home and use it as a pause prompt before responding to a tantrum, refusal, aggression or withdrawal. Primary school staff, SEND teaching assistants and early years practitioners may find it useful when reflecting on a child’s behaviour in the classroom, playground or nursery setting.
Social workers, family support workers and child therapists can also use the graphic in parenting sessions, care planning conversations or behaviour debriefs. Rather than offering a behaviour management programme or set of exercises, it provides a simple framework for asking what a child, young person or teenager may be trying to communicate and what support may help.
