Why we do what we do...

In my two previous posts I talked about behaviors having a "function" or a purpose.

• Communication
• To get something (like a toy, food, etc.)
• To avoid something (my toddler throws tantrums to avoid getting in her carseat; a second grader may act out in class because he wants to avoid doing math)
• Attention (good or bad--attention is attention)
• Sensory input (my toddler cries and gets held--I think she likes to cuddle!)

Of course, things become habit, but it always goes back to the reason the behavior was started in the first place.