Understanding and responding to challenging behaviours

Are you an early childhood educator struggling with challenging behaviours in your setting?

This essential resource offers strategies and support for educators and services to manage and respond to challenging behaviours in early childhood settings.

Discover practical, insightful guidance with Niki Buchan’s new book, “But I want to be good!” Understanding and responding to behaviours that challenge.

Watch our promotional video to learn more.

Niki Buchan on challenging behaviours

Grounded in four decades of experience

With over 40 years of professional and personal experience in early years education, author Niki Buchan brings a wealth of knowledge to this comprehensive guide. Her work with young children, including those with diverse and significant needs, forms the foundation of this book.

Niki Buchan is CEO and owner of Natural Learning Educational Consultancy.  She has developed a reputation as a strong advocate for children’s right to a high-quality childhood with a deep concern about children’s mental health and trauma. Niki trusts children as being capable and competent, respects their ability to know what they need for their development including assessing and taking risks. She believes children have a right to regular access to nature and to have their voices heard in matters that affect them.

"Through realising and understanding some of the possible reasons for challenging behaviours, we can provide appropriate support for all children using strategies suggested in this book."

Key topics covered

Understanding challenging behaviours

  • Perception vs. reality: Learn to differentiate between how behaviours are perceived and their underlying causes.
  • Influences and impacts: Understand the factors influencing challenging behaviours and their impacts on children and educators.
  • Finding the ‘Why?’: Discover techniques for uncovering the reasons behind challenging behaviours.

Wellbeing and meeting needs

  • Understanding wellbeing: Explore the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing for young children.
  • Creating a safe haven: Learn how to create a supportive environment that meets the basic human needs of every child.

Childhood development and communication

  • Early brain development: Understand the impact of early experiences on brain development and behaviour.
  • Effective communication: Discover strategies to support effective communication in early childhood settings.

Neurodiversity and trauma

  • Neurodiversity: Gain insights into conditions like ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder.
  • Trauma-informed practice: Learn about the hidden epidemic of trauma and how to implement trauma-informed practices in your setting.

Practical strategies

  • Supporting educators and children: Find out how to support both educators and children through practical, easy-to-implement strategies.
  • Creating a positive environment: Learn how to transform your classroom into a positive, supportive space.

Preventing educator burnout

Niki Buchan emphasises a proactive approach to prevent the impact on an educator’s wellbeing. Severe behaviours can be challenging, but with the right strategies, educators can feel supported and capable of managing their classrooms effectively.

Case studies and real-world examples of strategies for challenging behaviours

“But I want to be good!” Understanding and responding to behaviours that challenge includes case studies and real-world examples to illustrate successful implementations of the strategies discussed. Learn from the transformation of Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre and other inspiring stories.

Dealing with Challenging Behaviours

Order your copy today!

Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource for early childhood educators. By integrating these strategies, educators can create supportive, understanding environments that cater to the needs of all children, fostering growth and development in a positive, nurturing setting.

Preview content from the book and order your copy today to start transforming challenging behaviours into positive learning experiences.

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