Understanding Causes and

Making Meaning ofYoung Children’s Behavior

Adapted by Kadija Johnston from James Hymes’ Understanding Your Child. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Care. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

Kadija JohnstonUCSF Infant–Parent Program

First Possible Cause: THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE

Second Possible Cause: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Third Possible Cause:THE ENVIRONMENT

Fourth Possible Cause: THE CHILD DOES NOT KNOW BUT IS READY TO

LEARN

Fifth Possible Cause:UNMET EMOTIONAL NEED