Many behaviours 'challenge us' throughout our daily lives, so what do we mean when we say a child has "challenging behaviour"?
Identify the different sorts of behaviours that would challenge you in this video.
![](img/m11p320c/msqu8405.jpg)
The term 'challenging behaviour' is a neutral description. It does not degrade the child.
No child should be judged by their behaviour, even though it may have very negative consequences.
Instead, there should be a 'no blame' response towards both adult and child. This approach:
- promotes examination of the purpose of the behaviour.
- draws attention to other factors that influence behaviour and can be changed, e.g. relationships, communication and interaction.
However, we have a duty of care to respond to challenging behaviour in order to protect children who display challenging behaviour and others around them.
Doing nothing is not an option!
![A teacher comforts a young boy who is
distressed](img/m11p180d/img_3590_2.jpg)
Read this case study of Michael, who has Cri Du Chat Syndrome (CDCS), one
of the features of which is challenging behaviour, including hyperactivity
and aggressive and oppositional behaviour.