Goals of Misbehavior - Attention

Misbehavior can be broken down into four basic categories:

1.  Attention
2.  Power
3.  Avoidance of Failure
4.  Revenge

If you understand these goals of misbehavior, you can change your reactions to the behaviors and in many cases can change the behaviors of the child. The goals of the misbehavior are subconscious to the child. The child is not deliberately acting in negative ways. The child is using unsuccessful methods of filling unmet needs.

1.  Attention

Attention-getting is the most common type of misbehavior. The child may be feeling left out or ignored, and the goal is to get attention from the caregiver. A good example of this is the child who constantly interrupts and wants to talk to you while you are talking with someone else. Caregivers can identify attention-getting behavior by their own initial emotional response. Usually the caregiver feels irritated or annoyed. The best strategy is to ignore the misbehavior and to “catch that child being good.”

An example might be that you are working with Maria who is trying to master tying her shoes. Eric is standing by you, interrupting you as you speak to Maria, and wants you to come read a story to him.

You say to Eric, “Eric, I am helping Maria right now but I would love to come read a story with you. Would you like to read the story by yourself while you wait or would you like to play at the sensory table until I can read with you?” 

Once you are finished helping Maria, you go over to Eric and tell him, “Thank you for being so patient while I was helping Maria. Let’s read that story!” 

This strategy allowed you to work with Maria, did not give Eric attention for his annoying behavior, and reinforced his positive, patient behavior.

Related training:
A Basic Approach to Understanding Misbehavior - 2 hours
Understanding and Coping with Behavioral Problems - 3 hours
Guidance and Discipline (2 hours / .2 CEU)