Understanding Children’s Behaviours

Contributing to a child’s development is deeply rewarding, yet it often comes with challenges. As children build expressive language skills, they first communicate their emotions through behaviour. Caring adults play a key role in becoming curious about the intentions behind these behaviours and responding with understanding. It is normal to feel frustrated while trying to make sense of children’s emotional and behavioural reactions, especially as each child has unique needs and personalities. In this presentation, Nikkol Adams, MA, RCC explores the meaning behind
challenging behaviours to help adults better support and redirect them. Participants will learn about brain development for emotional regulation, the role of the autonomic nervous system, the goals behind children’s behaviour, and practical strategies for guidance. This session is designed for individuals working with children aged 3–12 in diverse settings.