Welcome to
The Child Behavior Guide!
Your Trusted Resource for Understanding and Managing Child Behavior
Are you struggling to understand or manage a child’s behavior? Whether you're a parent, teacher, or child development professional, you've come to the right place. The Child Behavior Guide is your comprehensive online resource for understanding the root causes of behavioral concerns, and finding effective strategies to help children thrive.
With over 20 years of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and mother of three myself, I completely understand what you may be going through. I’ve combined professional knowledge and real-world parenting experience to provide a practical, science-based approach to behavioral challenges in children. This site is filled with expert insights, downloadable tools, and guidance on various conditions like ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and more.
I can still remember the stress and anxiety I had raising my oldest son (born in 2006). My oldest son was identified as having sensory processing disorder at the age of three, which led me to learn an integrative approach to treatment for children of all abilities. Thankfully, more than 15 years later, his symptoms are minimized so greatly after implementing a variety of interventions, you would never even know he had any issues to begin with. I'm so grateful for the strategies I've learned along the way as a professional/parent and can't wait to share them with you!
Dealing with child behavior is a constant battle with consistency, creativity, and keeping your sanity.
Why Understanding Child Behavior Is So Important
Child behavior can be complex, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming. What appears to be defiance, aggression, or emotional meltdowns may actually be symptoms of underlying developmental or neurological conditions. Misinterpreting these signs can lead to frustration for both the child and the adults involved.
That’s why the Child Behavior Guide aims to educate and empower you to look beyond surface behaviors and uncover the possible root causes. With accurate information, effective strategies, and the right tools, you can make a significant difference in a child's emotional and behavioral development.
Get Started: Identify the Root of the Behavior
Understanding why a child behaves in a certain way is the first and most critical step in resolving behavior challenges. Many common behavioral concerns may be linked to developmental conditions such as:
I offer a variety of free printable checklists and symptom guides to help you determine whether a child might benefit from further assessment:
These resources are ideal for both professionals conducting screenings and parents observing patterns at home.
Behavior Strategies and Interventions That Work
Once you've identified the potential cause to help guide treatment, it’s time to explore proactive and targeted interventions for specific child behavior problems. Whether you’re dealing with tantrums, meltdowns, defiance, or aggression, this website provides a variety of tools and strategies that can be tailored to your child’s unique needs. A great place to start is with my ebook How To Tame Your Child's Inner Tiger: Secrets to Fixing Tantrums and Meltdowns.
Then be sure to check out my behavior intervention guides to learn:
- How to handle child tantrums and meltdowns calmly and effectively
- Positive behavior supports for defiant or oppositional children
- De-escalation techniques for aggressive behavior in children
- Preventative strategies to minimize problem behaviors before they start
You’ll also discover behavioral approaches that work well across different developmental disorders.
Specialized Help for Developmental Disorders
Behavioral challenges often stem from neurodevelopmental disorders that require more individualized support. Explore my comprehensive treatment guides for children with:
- Autism Treatment: Learn about evidence-based interventions like ABA therapy, sensory integration, and communication strategies.
- ADHD Treatment: Understand how to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and create structured environments for success.
- Sensory Processing Disorder Treatments: Discover sensory diets, occupational therapy tips, and calming techniques.
- Down Syndrome Treatments: Learn how to address cognitive delays, build communication skills, and reinforce positive behavior.
- Social Stories: These are short, personalized narratives that use simple language and visuals to teach children appropriate behaviors, routines, and social skills. They are a powerful tool—especially for kids with autism or SPD—because they reduce anxiety, build understanding, and prepare children for real-life situations in a calm, supportive way.
These pages are packed with practical, everyday solutions that make a big difference in quality of life for children and caregivers.
Printable Tools to Help You Stay on Track
Visual supports and routines are incredibly effective tools in shaping positive behavior. That’s why we offer a library of free printable charts designed to help children take responsibility for their actions and communicate more effectively:
- Behavior Charts: Track daily behavior and reward positive choices
- Chore Charts: Teach responsibility with age-appropriate task lists
- Feelings Charts: Help your child express emotions and daily events
These tools are simple, customizable, and designed to be engaging for children of all ages and developmental levels.
Personalized Support Is Just a Click Away
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I also offer personalized behavioral consulting services through my private practice, Integrative Behavioral Consulting. You can book a private session with me to receive tailored guidance and support for your child’s unique behavioral challenges by going to the contact me page. If I am taking on new clients at the time of contacting me, I will be sure to reach out!
Whether you need help interpreting a diagnosis, implementing a home-based intervention, or designing a behavior plan, professional one-on-one help is available.
Thank you for visiting! Start exploring the site today, and take the first step toward helping your child (or client) grow and succeed.