What is redirecting behavior?

In the classroom our teachers use redirecting strategies to keep our students on task. Parents can also practice some at home. It helps to assist children to make good choices and keep calm!

Redirecting behavior is a technique that involves changing the focus of a child's attention from an undesirable behavior to a more positive one. It interrupts and redirects a child's challenging behavior and attempts to calm them down and avoid further conflict.

With redirecting, the caregiver is still in control, but the child feels like they are too. This helps the child feel more secure, making them less likely to continue the negative behavior.

Redirecting behavior can be used when the child is engaging in a behavior that is:

Inappropriate
Harmful
Disruptive
Unsafe
Destructive

Redirecting will look different based on the situation and the child's age. However, it acknowledges the child's feelings, gives them choices, and helps them find a more constructive way to express themselves.Redirection techniques

Proper redirection techniques defuse a tense moment, prevent the child's behavior from escalating, and teach the child how to cope more positively.

If you feel angry or frustrated, take a deep breath and try to see the situation from the child's perspective. This will help you respond in the best way for both of you.

How to redirect children's behavior

By redirecting, teachers can minimize disruptions and promote a positive learning environment. Try the below strategies to help redirect children from challenging behaviors to more positive ones.

Give them a choice

Giving children a choice gives them a sense of value and also helps build their confidence. For example, instead of saying, "Don't hit your friend," you could offer a choice by saying, "Do you want to hit the pillow or scream into this stuffed animal?"

Ignore the behavior

For children seeking attention, sometimes the best thing you can do is to ignore it. If the child acts out for attention, they will eventually stop if they are not getting the desired reaction. After ignoring them, give positive attention when the child behaves appropriately.

Use a distraction

If you can't ignore the behavior, distract the child with something else. For example, if a child is throwing a tantrum, try offering them a toy or game to play with. If a child is shouting or screaming, lower your voice and ask them gently what the problem is.

Redirect their energy

If the child is acting out because they have too much energy, redirect it into positive activities. For example, if they are running around the house, ask them to run around outside instead.

Give them a hug

Sometimes a child needs physical affection to feel better. For example, if they are acting out of anger or frustration, hug them and let them know you're there for them. Your love and support will help calm them down.

Set clear expectations

If the child doesn't know what is expected of them, they are more likely to misbehave. Set clear expectations from the onset and stick to them. They can learn the consequences if they don't follow the expectations.

Use positive reinforcement

When the child exhibits good behavior, fortify it with positive reinforcement such as praise, rewards, or privileges. Positive reinforcement can encourage things like sharing or following directions.

Avoid power struggles

Arguing with a child is usually unproductive and often escalates a situation. If the child is misbehaving because they want to control, engaging in a power struggle will only give them what they want. Be calm, control yourself, and avoid getting into a shouting match with the child.

Don't take it personally

Remember that challenging behavior is not personal. The child is not doing it to spite you or to be difficult. They are still learning how to manage their emotions and navigate their feelings.

Types of redirecting behavior

Caregivers and educators often need to redirect children's behavior to keep them safe, on track, and focused. The below commonly used methods will help you positively achieve this goal.

Verbal redirection

Use your words to change the child's focus. If your child is about to touch a hot stove, you might say, "No, that's hot. Let's touch this cold block instead."

Physical redirection

This is applied when verbal attempts don't work or aren't appropriate. With this method, you physically guide the child away from the problem behavior and towards a more positive one. For example, if your child is hitting another child, you might take their hand and lead them to a different activity.

Redirecting with a cue

This redirecting behavior uses visual or auditory cues to get the child's attention. For example, if you see your child about to run into the street, you might yell, "Stop!" or wave your arms to get their attention.

Redirecting attention

This method involves drawing a child’s attention to a positive example of behavior in a child’s surroundings. For example, if a child is throwing toys, a teacher might point out a nearby child playing quietly and appropriately with their toys.

OPEN DAYS 2025