Managing Challenging Behaviour
Managing challenging behavior can be a complex and sensitive task, especially when dealing with young individuals or individuals with special needs. It's essential to approach the situation with patience, understanding, and empathy.
Here are some strategies to help manage challenging behavior effectively:
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Stay calm and composed, even when faced with challenging behavior. Your emotional state can influence the situation, so try to model a sense of control and stability.
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Try to identify the underlying triggers that may be causing the challenging behavior. Triggers can be environmental, emotional, or situational factors that lead to the outburst. Once identified, you can work on minimising or addressing them.
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Set clear and consistent boundaries for behavior. Make sure the individual knows what is expected of them and what consequences may result from inappropriate behavior.
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Praise and reward positive behavior. Positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishment in encouraging appropriate conduct.
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If you notice the individual becoming agitated, try redirecting their attention to a more positive or engaging activity.
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Listen to the individual's concerns and feelings without judgment. Sometimes, challenging behavior can stem from a sense of frustration or the need to be heard.
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Providing choices within reasonable limits can empower the individual and reduce the likelihood of confrontations.
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Help the person develop coping strategies to manage their emotions and frustrations more effectively.
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If the challenging behavior persists or is severe, consider seeking help from professionals, such as counselors, therapists, or behavior specialists. They can provide additional insights and strategies tailored to the individual's needs.
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Ensure that the environment is safe and supportive, with minimal triggers that may exacerbate challenging behavior.
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Collaborate with family members or caregivers to create a consistent approach in managing challenging behavior across different settings.
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Be a positive role model by demonstrating appropriate behavior and communication skills.
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Whenever possible, anticipate potential triggers and proactively address them to prevent challenging behavior from occurring.
Remember that every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Flexibility and patience are essential when managing challenging behavior. Seek to understand the individual's needs and perspectives, and approach the situation with empathy and compassion. Additionally, consider seeking professional advice and support to create a comprehensive and effective management plan.
Further Support
Families under Pressure
Don’t let the pressure of parenting get you down. Try these simple tips and tricks, formulated by researchers and NHS mental health experts, which are backed by science and proven to work with families.
Website
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Making a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities. Our vision is for all people with severe learning disabilities, whose behaviour challenges, to have the right support and opportunities to live full and active lives.
Telephone: 0300 666 0126
Email: support@thecbf.org.uk
Response Counselling Service
The Response counselling service works with young people aged 13-18. It is a free confidential service working with young people with moderate to severe issues which include suicide ideation, self harming, depression, high levels of anxiety bereavement etc.
Tel: 01516664123
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.
To find your youth worker visit their page.
HATCH
Hatch provide 1-1 sessions to help develop a range of skills and strategies that can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Our volunteer mentors support you to complete a computerised CBT skills intervention that explores which things work best for you. CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which sounds pretty intimidating! What it actually means is learning a way of thinking that helps us face tough times in a positive way!
Tel: 07518330949
Email: info@hatchmerseyside.co.uk
Open Door Charity
If you are aged 17 - 30, you can become a member and then access as many of our services as you like, including Creative Therapeutic Support if you are feeling down, low, stressed or anxious, numerous different activities within music and the arts, unique training and volunteering opportunities and much more. Membership is free, with no waiting lists.
CAMHS Advice and Duty Line
This site was created for young people, carers and professionals to pool together lots of helpful resources from across the internet.
24 hour mental health line 0800 145 6485 any age.
Action for Children (Counselling)
Best start in life
We know how important the early years are - and we’re here to help. From parenting advice to education and early intervention, we focus on improving children’s life chances.
Good mental health
Everyone has ups and downs in life. Our mental and emotional well-being experts work with families and schools to make sure children and parents feel able to cope with challenges when they arise.
A safe and loving home
We make sure more children feel part of a family that cares for them. We find homes for those without, protect children who have been abused or neglected, and help ensure young carers don’t miss out on a childhood.
KOOTH.com
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
Text: YM to 85258
Opening times: 24/7
WEB Merseyside
A community organisation supporting local men, women and children.
Telephone: 0151 653 3771
Email: info@webmerseyside.org