Top 10 Tips for Behaviour Management

By Dean Cotton, Managing Director, Behaviour Smart Ltd

As a behaviour consultant I am often asked for behaviour management ideas, so here are my top 10 behaviour management tips for staff working with children and young people:

1.     Treat people with respect:

Children and young people are the same as you and I, often just a little younger. Think about how you talk to them and consider if you would talk to other people that way. Remember, respect is two-way thing.

 2.     Build positive relationships:

Building positive relationships with children and young people is one of the most effective ways to manage behaviour. When people feel that you care about them and understand their needs, they are more likely to follow your expectations. The best way to build positive relationships is to share positive experiences. Remember, negative experiences are more powerful than positive experiences and can damage relationships.

 3.     Establish clear expectations:

Establish clear expectations for behaviour and communicate them calmly and clearly. Make sure that your expectations are appropriate for the age and developmental level of children and young people we support.

 4.     Be consistent:

Consistency is key in behaviour management. This will help people understand what is expected of them and help them feel safe and secure.

5.     Use positive language:

Use positive language when communicating with Children and young people. Instead of telling them what not to do, tell them what you would like them to do.

 6.     Keep calm:

Stay calm and composed when dealing with challenging behaviour. Taking a deep breath and remember, this is not personal.

 7.     Be proactive:

Anticipate and prevent challenging behaviour before it occurs. Identify potential triggers, signs of low-level behaviour and develop strategies to support or manage them.

 8.     Use non-verbal cues:

Use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact and gestures, to communicate your expectations and redirect behaviour.

 9.     You are not alone:

Collaborate with parents/carers, other staff and external advisors and use incident recording data to help develop high quality behaviour plans.

 10. Reflect and adjust:

Reflect on your behaviour management strategies regularly and adjust them as needed. What works for one group, or one individual may not work for another, so it's important to be flexible and responsive to the needs of your children and young people.

In conclusion, effective behaviour management is an essential part of creating a positive and productive environment.