As parents, understanding our children’s behavior is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of raising them. Each action they take communicates something about their needs, emotions, or desires. By grasping the concept of the functions of behavior, including control and counter-control, parents can better interpret their child’s actions and respond in a way that fosters healthy development and communication.
What are the Functions of Behavior?
The functions of behavior refer to the reasons or motivations behind why a child behaves in a certain way. In the realm of behavioral psychology, there are typically six primary functions of behavior, including control and counter-control:
1. Attention: Children often engage in behaviors to gain attention from parents, peers, or other caregivers. This can be positive attention—when they receive praise for good behavior—or negative attention, such as when they act out to escape necessary tasks or reprimands.
2. Escape or Avoidance: Some behaviors are driven by a child’s desire to escape a task they find unpleasant or difficult. For instance, a child might throw a tantrum to avoid doing homework, chores, or any situation they find stressful.
3. Access to Tangibles: Often, children behave in ways that will help them obtain something they want, like toys, snacks, or activities. Positive reinforcement, like giving in to a child’s request when they cry, can inadvertently teach them that such behavior works.
4. Sensory Stimulation: Some behaviors are motivated by a child’s need for sensory input. This can include self-soothing behaviors, like rocking back and forth or hand-flapping, especially in children with autism or sensory processing issues. Here, the behavior serves to provide pleasure or relief from anxiety.
5. Control: Children also act out in ways that give them a sense of power or control. They start to develop autonomy and an understanding of their own preferences and choices. For example, a child may refuse to comply with requests from parents to assert their independence.
6. Counter-Control: On the flip side, counter-control occurs when children resist or push back against the control sought by adults. This function is often a form of rebellion or a way to express dissatisfaction with imposed rules. For instance, a teenager may deliberately ignore parents’ instructions just to assert their independence and personal agency.
How Can Parents Apply This Understanding?
Understanding these functions allows parents to respond in a more constructive manner. Here are some actions to consider:
1. Observe and Identify
Take the time to observe your child’s behavior. Note the circumstances surrounding any behavior—what happened before and after. Ask yourself questions like:
– What was happening when the behavior occurred?
– Was my child seeking attention, trying to avoid something, requesting a tangible item, seeking control, or pushing back against authority?
How Can Parents Identify the Function of Behavior Using a Quick FBA?
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a systematic process for identifying the purpose of a behavior. Although formal FBAs can be detailed and complex, parents can conduct a simplified version at home as a practical tool for understanding their child’s behavior quickly. Here’s how:
### Step 1: Observe the Behavior
Keep a detailed observation log for about a week. Note instances of challenging or concerning behavior, focusing on:
– **What** the behavior was (e.g., yelling, crying, hitting).
– **When** it occurred (time of day, after specific events).
– **Where** it took place (home, school, social settings).
*Example*: Your child throws a toy during dinner.
### Step 2: Identify Antecedents
What happened right before the behavior? These are known as antecedents and often trigger the unwanted behavior.
– Was the child trying to get your attention?
– Was there a task they were trying to escape?
*Example*: Did your child throw the toy because they were told to eat their vegetables?
### Step 3: Identify Consequences
What happened immediately after the behavior? Look at how you responded and how others reacted.
– Did the child receive attention—positive or negative?
– Did they avoid a task or gain access to something they wanted?
*Example*: If your child was given more toy time after throwing the toy, this behavior might be reinforced.
### Step 4: Determine Patterns
After observing various instances, look for patterns in antecedents and consequences. This will help clarify what function each behavior serves.
*Example*: If your child often throws toys when they don’t want to eat, it is likely an escape behavior. If throwing consistently gains them attention from you, it may be attention-seeking.
### Step 5: Formulate a Hypothesis
Using the observations, draft a hypothesis about the function of the behavior.
*Example*: “My child throws toys when they are asked to eat vegetables to avoid the discomfort of eating something they dislike. Alternatively, they may do it to gain attention, as I react strongly to it.”
2. Respond Appropriately
Once you identify the function of a behavior, you can tailor your response:
– For attention-seeking behaviors: Provide attention when your child engages in positive actions. Reinforce good behavior by praising them, thereby reducing the need for negative behavior to gain attention.
– For escape or avoidance: Help your child build their coping skills and resilience gradually. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and offer breaks or choices to help them feel more in control.
– For tangible access: Clearly set boundaries around requests. Teach your child how to ask for things appropriately and resist the urge to give in when they throw a tantrum for something they want.
– For control: Allow your child some autonomy by giving them choices in safe, appropriate contexts. This could be as simple as letting them choose their clothes or what snack they want. Establishing a balance between giving them control and setting boundaries will help in reducing power struggles.
– For counter-control: Acknowledge your child’s need for autonomy and legitimate dissent. Instead of a confrontational approach, engage them in discussions about the rules and expectations. Encourage them to express their feelings and participate in collaborative problem-solving.
– For sensory behaviors: Provide alternative ways for your child to seek sensory input, like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or safe spaces where they can engage in soothing activities.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
You can help mitigate undesirable behaviors by creating an environment that accommodates their needs. This might include:
– Establishing a consistent daily routine to provide structure.
– Creating a designated quiet space for them to retreat to when overwhelmed.
– Ensuring a nurturing environment where they feel safe expressing their emotions and seeking attention in healthy ways.
4. Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, behaviors can be more complex and may require additional support. If you find that your child’s behaviors significantly disrupt daily life or can be harmful to themselves or others, it’s vital to consult with a professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or behavior specialist.
In summary, understanding the functions of behavior, including control and counter-control, is essential for parents looking to foster positive interactions and healthy emotional development in their children. By observing, responding appropriately, and creating supportive environments, parents can empower their children to express their needs constructively and enhance the parent-child bond.