Behavior Motivation Chart

Use this chart to map observed behaviors to likely emotional triggers and note supporting evidence. Then brainstorm response ideas.

Instructions:

1. Identify a recent challenging behavior and describe it in the first column.
2. In the second column, name the emotional trigger you believe is behind the behavior (e.g., frustration, attention-seeking).
3. Note any evidence or context (time of day, setting, child’s remarks) that supports your hypothesis.
4. In the final column, brainstorm at least one empathetic response strategy or intervention to try at home.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Child Behavior Scenarios

Use the following vignettes to practice identifying emotional triggers and planning empathetic responses. For each scenario:

1. Name the likely emotional trigger.
2. Note any supporting evidence or context.
3. Brainstorm two response strategies you could try at home.

Refer to the Behavior Motivation Chart Handout as needed.

Scenario 1: Bedtime Standoff

Ella (age 6) used to fall asleep easily, but lately she cries and clings to her parent at bedtime, insisting she’s not tired. When given her favorite book or toy, she still refuses to settle down.

1. Likely Emotional Trigger:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Evidence / Context:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
3. Two Response Strategies:
   – Strategy 1: __________________________________
   
   
   – Strategy 2: __________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Homework Refusal

During homework time, 9-year-old Marcus slams his pencil down, pushes his books off the table, and declares, “I hate this!” He then stomps out of the room.

1. Likely Emotional Trigger:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Evidence / Context:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
3. Two Response Strategies:
   – Strategy 1: __________________________________
   
   
   – Strategy 2: __________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Public Meltdown

At the grocery store, 7-year-old Javier suddenly cries loudly, throws himself on the floor, and refuses to move forward in the checkout line when told he can’t have candy.

1. Likely Emotional Trigger:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Evidence / Context:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
3. Two Response Strategies:
   – Strategy 1: __________________________________
   
   
   – Strategy 2: __________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 4: Sibling Dispute

10-year-old Maya hits her younger brother when he accidentally knocks over her block tower. She yells, “You always ruin everything!”

1. Likely Emotional Trigger:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
2. Evidence / Context:
   __________________________________________
   
   
   
3. Two Response Strategies:
   – Strategy 1: __________________________________
   
   
   – Strategy 2: __________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection

After discussing the scenarios, use the Reflection Log Template to record the strategies you plan to implement with your child this week.

Reflection Log Template

Use this template to plan and reflect on the strategies you’ll try at home. Fill out one log entry for each behavior you address.

1. Action Commitment

Date: ________________________



Challenging Behavior Noted: ________________________



Strategy You Will Implement: ________________________



Goal / Expected Outcome: ________________________

2. Implementation Reflection

What actually happened?






Child’s response and your reaction:






What worked well?






What could you adjust next time?

3. Follow-Up Plan

Date for check-in or review: ________________________



Next steps / additional supports needed: ________________________

Behavior Reflection Warm-Up

Use this quick activity to surface recent challenging behaviors and set the stage for our session.

What to Do:

1. Distribute one sticky note and pen to each participant.
2. Think of a recent moment when your child exhibited a challenging behavior.
3. On your sticky note, write down:
   • The behavior (e.g., refusal, tantrum, meltdown).
   • A brief context (time, setting, any triggers you noticed).
4. Place your note on the whiteboard under the “Behavior Reflection” section.
5. Take a moment to read others’ notes and observe any emerging patterns or common themes.
6. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their note aloud (1–2 sentences each).

This warm-up builds our collective awareness of frequent behavior challenges and primes us to explore the motivations behind these actions.

Exit Ticket

Thank you for participating! Please take a moment to reflect on today’s session.

1. Key Insight

What is your top takeaway from today’s workshop?

2. Strategy You’ll Try

Name one empathetic response strategy you commit to using with your child this week.

3. Expected Outcome

What difference do you hope to see when you apply this strategy?

4. Remaining Questions or Supports Needed

Is there anything you’re still unsure about or need additional help with?