Let’s face it…human behavior can be confusing, exhausting, and downright frustrating at times. Whether we’re talking about young children or even adults, when someone behaves in a way that is unexpected, inconvenient, or uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to want to stop or “fix” it. However, if we react in this way, we might miss an important opportunity to understand that person on a deeper level and/or to help the individual begin to understand themselves better. If we can take a curious and open-minded approach to addressing challenging behaviors, we can enhance emotional intelligence, attunement and connection, and improve harmony within our relationships. Even more, we can deepen our understanding about ourselves and learn our own desires, needs, and triggers. Leaning into the discomfort may take more time and energy initially, but in the long run, we can experience greater peace, joy, productivity, success, and wellbeing. 

Join Erica and Cassie on this episode to understand how to look at difficult behavior from a solution-focused, emotionally resilient lens. The discussion applies to behavior across the lifespan; examples include those of toddlers, pre-teens/teens, and even adults. You’ll walk away with tips, tools, and resources that can help you RESPOND rather than REACT when your child—or spouse, friend, family member for that matter!—is melting down, acting out, or shutting you out. 

**Resources**

Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant: https://barryprizant.com/uniquely-human/

Books by Tina Payne Bryson (https://www.tinabryson.com/#home-page) and Dr. Dan Siegel (https://drdansiegel.com/). Books include but are not limited to:

• The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child 
• No Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
• Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive

“Kids do well if they can, not if they wanna” by Dr. Ross Greene. See the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvzQQDfAL-Q 

**Music credits**

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT