🧩 Unlocking the Mystery of Kids' Behaviors: A Parent’s Guide

By Jodie Moar

Parent Educator | Early Childhood Consultant
📧 jodiemoar@fromthestart.com.au | 📞 0491 090 717
🌐 From the Start – Empowered Parenting from Day One

“Connection, not correction, is the key to understanding behavior.” – Dr. Dan Siegel

Ever feel like your child’s behaviour is a code you just can’t crack?
One minute they’re giggling, the next they’re on the floor, wailing about the blue cup instead of the red one (cue dramatic music 🎭).

Here’s the thing: every outburst, every meltdown, every “NO!” is a message.
Their behaviour isn’t random—it’s communication.

Ready to become a behaviour detective? Here’s your playful, practical guide to decoding your child’s emotions before the next meltdown strikes.

🕵️‍♀️ 1. Spy on the Patterns (In a Totally Non-Creepy Way)

Kids aren’t chaotic storm clouds—they have patterns.
Start observing with curiosity:

• Are meltdowns happening before meals? (Hanger alert!)

• Do transitions cause resistance? (From playground to car seat = drama.)

• Is overstimulation the trigger? (Noise, lights, crowds—oh my!)

📌 Pro Tip: Use countdowns, snacks, or quiet zones to soften transitions.

😤 2. Feelings Are Loud (And Confusing)

Children feel deeply—but don’t yet have the words.

That coat-throwing tantrum? It might just mean:

“I’m frustrated and I don’t know how to ask for help.”

✨ Try:

• Guessing their emotions: “You’re really mad, huh?”

• Making silly emotion faces (Sad Sloth! Angry Tiger! Happy Hamster!)

• Giving them phrases like “I need help” instead of a full-body floor flop.

🧠 3. Sensory Overload: When the World Feels Too Big

Some kids experience the world like sensory superheroes.
A loud room, itchy sock, or flickering light can overload their circuits.

💡 Try:

• Seamless clothes (Pajama Day, anyone?)

• Sunglasses or hats indoors for bright lights

• A quiet “chill corner” with soft pillows and calming toys

“From chaos to connection—one giggle at a time.”

🗣️ 4. Words Are Hard—Show, Don’t Just Tell!

Kids often show you what they can’t say:

• Grabbing, whining, flinging spaghetti (ouch)

Here’s how to help:

• Use picture cards or hand gestures

• Make it a game: “Pretend you’re a hungry dinosaur needing milk!”

• Celebrate any effort to express themselves calmly

📌 Reminder: Your calm response teaches their nervous system to regulate.

💞 5. Love & Laughter: The Ultimate Reset Button

Sometimes what a child really needs is connection, not correction.

Try:

• Jokes: “Whoa! Did a grumpy potato just walk in?!”

• A 2-minute tickle fight to reset everyone’s mood

• Letting them win a race or silly game to build confidence

“You’re not spoiling them—you’re soothing their nervous system.”

🧡 Your New Parenting Superpower: Curiosity

Instead of “What’s wrong with them?”
Try: “What’s going on for them?”

Parenting isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about staying present.
So next time your child spirals over the wrong-coloured bowl, breathe.
Decode. Connect. Repeat.

You’ve got this.

✨ Contact Jodie Moar

👩‍🏫 Empowering parents to understand and connect with their kids from the start.
📞 0491 090 717
📧 jodiemoar@fromthestart.com.au

From tantrums to teamwork—because behaviour is a language, and love is the answer.