This guide will help you answer 1.2. Explain how a child or young person expresses how they are feeling through their behaviour.
When working with children and young people, it’s crucial to recognise that they frequently express their emotions through behaviour rather than words. This is because they may not yet have the language skills required to articulate their feelings. As an Early Years Practitioner, you need to be adept at interpreting these behavioural cues.
Why Behaviour Reflects Feelings
Children and young people often show how they feel through their actions. This is due to various reasons:
- Limited Vocabulary: Young children might not have the words to describe complex emotions.
- Emotional Development: Some young people find it challenging to process and express emotions due to ongoing emotional development.
- Defence Mechanisms: They might use behaviours as a way to protect themselves from feelings that are too difficult or painful to express verbally.
Understanding these concepts helps in interpreting their actions correctly.
Common Behavioural Expressions
Aggression and Anger
Aggressive behaviour can include hitting, biting, or shouting. These actions often reflect deeper emotional distress. Reasons could include:
- Frustration: When they can’t achieve a desired outcome.
- Fear: Reacting to something they perceive as threatening.
- Sadness: Anger can be a mask for feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Withdrawal and Avoidance
Withdrawal might involve avoiding social interactions or activities they once enjoyed. This could be due to:
- Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed by social situations.
- Depression: Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities.
- Trauma: Trying to avoid reminders of a traumatic event.
Hyperactivity
Increased activity levels, such as constant moving or fidgeting, might indicate:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Anxiety: Manifesting as restlessness.
- Sensory Processing Issues: Difficulty managing sensory input.
Regression
Sometimes, children revert to earlier stages of development, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking. This can happen due to:
- Stress: Coping with significant changes, like a new sibling or school.
- Insecurity: Seeking comfort from familiar behaviours.
Perfectionism and Overachievement
Some young people may push themselves excessively to achieve. This can be a sign of:
- Anxiety: Fear of failure or disappointing others.
- Low Self-Esteem: Trying to prove their worth.
Observing Context and Patterns
To correctly interpret these behaviours, consider the context in which they occur:
- Triggers: Identify specific events or situations that precede the behaviour.
- Frequency: Notice how often the behaviour happens.
- Duration: Note how long the child exhibits the behaviour.
- Intensity: Measure the severity of the behaviour.
By keeping an observational diary, you can look for patterns and gather evidence to understand the underlying emotional causes.
Responding to Behavioural Expressions
Once you recognise that behaviour is a form of communication, you can respond more effectively:
- Acknowledge Feelings: Validate the child’s feelings. For example, “I see you’re upset because…”
- Provide Alternatives: Teach them appropriate ways to express their feelings.
- Create a Safe Environment: Ensure they feel secure enough to express emotions without fear of judgement or punishment.
Supporting Emotional Expression
Encourage Open Communication
Foster an environment where children feel safe to talk about their feelings. Use age-appropriate language and tools, such as:
- Emotion Cards: Visual aids to help identify and express emotions.
- Role-Playing: Acting out scenarios to explore feelings and responses.
- Storytelling: Using stories to discuss emotions and behaviours.
Develop Emotional Literacy
Help children build the vocabulary to express their emotions. Incorporate activities that focus on:
- Naming Emotions: Using words like happy, sad, angry, and scared.
- Creative Expression: Art, music, or play to explore feelings.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques to understand and manage emotions.
Collaborative Support
Work with parents, guardians, and other professionals to provide consistent support. Share observations and strategies to ensure a cohesive approach:
- Parent Meetings: Regular discussions to align methods and understand home dynamics.
- Professional Referrals: Involving counsellors or psychologists when specialised support is needed.
Case Study Example
Consider a child named Sarah who suddenly starts exhibiting aggressive behaviour in the classroom. Initially, it might seem she’s just being disobedient. Through careful observation, you notice she becomes aggressive following disruptions at home.
Actions Taken:
- Observations: Note the timing, triggers, and intensity of her outbursts.
- Parent Meeting: Discuss your observations with Sarah’s parents and discover there have been recent changes at home.
- Support Plan: Develop a strategy that includes emotional support techniques for both home and school.
By understanding the root causes of Sarah’s behaviour, you can address her emotional needs more effectively and help modify her behaviour positively.
Conclusion
Understanding how a child expresses their emotions through behaviour is essential in providing appropriate support. Recognising these behavioural cues, observing context and patterns, and responding thoughtfully ensures you meet their emotional and developmental needs effectively. By fostering open communication, enhancing emotional literacy, and collaborating with others, you can create a nurturing environment where children feel understood and supported. This holistic approach helps children navigate their emotions and develop healthy ways to express themselves.
