Handling disruptive behaviour requires a multi-faceted approach. Number one: Observe and try to decide if there is any situation/person/sound that seems to lead up to the behaviour. If, for example, a child lashes out when they are in a crowd of children, try to keep them somewhat isolated and near you. If they lash out when someone interferes with their work/activity, that could be a completely different issue. 

Secondly, discuss the behaviours with the family, asking if this is seen in their own social circles, within the family, with siblings, etc. Whether or not it is, explain to the parents that this type of behaviour is not allowed in the community, and that you will be dealing with it. Describe how we a) model how to communicate with others without becoming more violent; b) how we can use our words instead of our body to inform someone we don’t like what they are doing. 

It is important to have a unified front with the family so that the child lives with the same – or similar – value systems. 

When the behaviour is such that we need to intervene, we firmly, without anger but with love, state the social limit: “we are not disrespectful of or to others. We do not hit or push others. We can do nothing to harm others, ourselves or the environment.” 

This also means that we must be congnizant of our own reactions, do we maintain our composure, approach every child with love and goodwill – even if their behaviour is challenging.