The importance of reframing challenging behaviour

25th November 2022 2 minute read

Blogs

Share this post:

 
The importance of reframing challenging behaviour

Conscious intention v. stress response 

We tend to think of behaviour as purposeful. If a child is able to talk, listen and understand, we usually assume that their behaviour is a conscious intention.

Mona Delahooke is a paediatric clinical psychologist and author of the book Beyond Behaviours: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioural Challenges. In the below podcast, she invites us to view things completely differently. And to consider the meaning behind different behaviours before responding.

Hitting and screaming, rewards and consequences

If you’re looking to improve pupils’ behaviour, press play below to hear what 30 years of caring for children and young people has taught Mona about challenging behaviour. We’re discussing hitting and screaming, rewards and consequences, and why emotional attunement is so effective. Ready to start your journey towards calmer classrooms? Press play below to get started. (You'll also hear from Christopher Harrison, Assistant Headteacher at Grove Road Community School, about why he's taking a longer-term view of attainment, rather than focusing on short-term targets).

Press play below

 

 

Over to you

At Thrive, we’ve been supporting educators to tackle behaviour for over 25 years. If you’re seeking calmer classrooms, engaged learners and improved attainment, click here to book a Discovery Call with your regional expert. Designed to fit in around your schedule, these free 30-minute conversations via Teams give you a chance to have your questions answered, decide if our service is a fit for your needs, and identify if you qualify for a £1,200 DfE grant to spend in your setting.

Pass it on

Small actions can lead to a big ripple effect. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please consider supporting us in our mission to help every child and young person feel safe, supported and ready to learn by sharing it using the social media buttons below.

Want to join a like-minded community of senior leaders and classroom staff benefitting from insights and strategies to improve attendance, behaviour and attainment? Add your email address below. (It’s easy to unsubscribe).

 

Sector updates delivered straight to your inbox

Subscribe to the Thrive newsletter and receive our latest sector advice direct to your inbox

Subscribe today

 

Related content

When Staff Feel Confident Managing Behaviour, Why Is So Much Time Still Being Lost?

15th September 2026 | Blogs | In the news

When Staff Feel Confident Managing Behaviour, Why Is So Much Time Still Being Lost?

Teachers feel confident managing behaviour, but repeated incidents still take time. Explore the confidence versus capacity challenge in schools.

Read full article →

Grief is now part of RSHE. What does that mean for schools?

11th September 2026 | Blogs

Grief is now part of RSHE. What does that mean for schools?

Grief and bereavement are now included in statutory RSHE guidance. Explore what’s changed and how schools can support children experiencing loss.

Read full article →

Emotionally Based School Avoidance and School Anxiety: Key Signs Every Educator Should Know

1st September 2026 | Blogs

Emotionally Based School Avoidance and School Anxiety: Key Signs Every Educator Should Know

As pupils return to school this September, many educators are seeing the impact anxiety can have on attendance, engagement and wellbeing. In this blog, we explore emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), the key signs to look out for, and why understanding what sits beneath the behaviour is essential to supporting children and young people back into learning.

Read full article →

CONTACT US