Managing Challenging Behavior: Eileen Flicker

Meet our guest

Eileen Flicker was the perfect match for our episode on managing challenging behavior in the classroom. She has been an advocate for children and families for over 30 years and is the co-author of “Guiding Children's Behavior: Developmental Discipline in the Classroom”. Eileen’s approach to handling challenging behavior is four-fold, with a big focus on observations and individual interventions. She recommends being proactive rather than reactive and stresses the importance of limits, patience, and attention for children with challenging behaviors.

Currently, Eileen works as an early childhood education specialist.

Eileen’s Twitter handle is @EileenFlicker and/or reach out to her via email: esf2009@tc.columbia.edu

““Love and limits go hand in hand.””

— Eileen Flicker

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Teacher Takeaways

Managing Challenging Behavior

1. Developmental Discipline is a broad approach that focuses on being proactive and preventative.

   • Ask: What do I know about this particular child and about behavior in general at this age?

   • Children act out for a reason. Learning to manage their emotions gives them the tools they need for success.

2. Don’t Shame them .

   • The teacher should sit with them and interact; let them know they are still loved.

   • Walk them through what happened.

   • Help them see a connection to their behavior and natural consequence by talking with them.

   • Try not to go head to head with a child that is extremely emotional; wait for them to calm down to talk.

3. Four Phases of Developmental Discipline:

   1. Observations

      • What works for you? (Notes, Checklist, Frequency chart, technology: all options)

   2. Teacher Self-Reflection

      • What am I bringing to the table? My tone? Interactions?

   3. Individualized Interventions

      • Based on observations and teacher self-reflection, come up with an intervention that is best for the child.

   4. Building Relationships and Community

      • Social skills, mindfulness practices and building a positive and loving learning community.

4. Children shouldn’t wait longer than one minute in line. If waiting, need to engage them in song, book or a game.

Resources

Click here to view/download several resources from “Guiding Children’s Behavior: Developmental Discipline in the Classroom”