A CHILD WHO IS ACTING OUT IS:

• Expressing an anxiety from within.
• Seeking connection from its parents.
• Looking for consistency and boundaries.
• NOT bad, mean, or manipulative.
• Going to calm down once safe, seen and heard.

A child who acts out is often anxious, seeking connection, or needing consistency and boundaries. They are not bad or manipulative. Once they feel safe, seen, and heard, they will calm down. Parents should respond with patience and understanding, not punishment.