Case discussion
A team of professionals at a daycare regularly faced conflicts due to a child with challenging behavior. Through a case discussion, they gained a better understanding of the underlying causes and developed effective strategies that encouraged the child and significantly improved the situation in the long term.
Initial situation
Conflicts regularly arose between the professionals in a daycare centre because they disagreed on how to deal with a child who was repeatedly behaving disruptively. The sides were polarised and the fronts seemed to be hardening. The manager asked me to conduct a case discussion.
Behavior analysis
Reflect on behavior and feelings
First, we collected examples of the behaviour that was putting such a strain on the situation and the social fabric. These included aggressive behaviour towards other children and professionals, destruction of property, loud shouting and lying. The professionals should become fully aware of their feelings in relation to the child and also name them. With the help of this information, we were able to draw conclusions about the child’s misguided goals.
Identify the cause
Understand the child's goal
What was this child trying to tell us? We agreed on the misguided goal of ‘power’. This means that this child may need situations in everyday life in which he or she can help out, resolve conflicts constructively, have a say in processes and the like.
Develop strategies
Create concrete measures
After about 45 minutes, once we had a workable theory, we were able to develop concrete strategies to encourage the child in everyday situations. It was decided not to focus on the outbursts anymore, but to “act rather than talk” and follow through with agreed-upon consequences. The child was given a choice between two responsibilities (watering plants or supervising the hallway) and was asked if they would like to become a conflict resolution expert.
Outcome
The feedback from the staff after two weeks was extremely positive. The intensive discussion alone had shifted their perspective on the child. They were able to understand the child’s behavior as a form of communication. This professional approach made it easier for them to stay calm. As a result, wonderful moments of connection emerged, where the child was able to show vulnerability and a need for affection.