Understanding the Message Behind Your Child’s Behaviour

How to Support Emotional and Social Development

What if your child's behaviour isn’t a problem to “fix”... but a message to understand?

For many parents — especially those raising young children with disabilities or developmental delays — behaviours like hitting, tantrums, or withdrawing can feel overwhelming.

But in the Marte Meo approach, we don’t ask:

“How do I stop my child's behaviour?”

Instead, we ask:

“What is my child trying to tell me?”

Behaviour Is a Form of Communication

Young children—especially those with disabilities or developmental delays—often struggle to express their needs with words. Instead, they “speak” through their actions.

When we shift from “stopping” behaviour to understanding it, we can support real learning and connection.

Seeing Behaviour Through a Different Lens

As an Occupational Therapist using the Marte Meo method, I work with families to:

• Uncover the message behind challenging behaviours

• Strengthen connection by meeting children where they’re at

• Support new skills with respectful, strength-based strategies

This approach helps children with disabilities feel understood, safe, and supported, while empowering parents to connect with their child and respond with confidence.

Final Thought

When we shift from “How do I stop this behaviour?” to “What is my child trying to tell me?”, everything changes.

Behaviour is communication — and when we learn to understand the language, we can better support our child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Learn how Inspire Co can help you see and respond to your child’s needs with confidence