Before children learn to use language to communicate their needs and wants, they first learn to read, understand adult behavior and to respond to it through their behavior (Bishop and Baird, 2007). . Challenging behaviors contribute to children's social-emotional development by expressing their feelings and reacting to certain experiences with or without control (Berk, 2006). Early childhood teachers struggle to manage and support children with challenging behaviors to which teachers themselves seek answers and solutions. Teachers need to be aware of challenging behavior or have enough knowledge to help themselves deal with it. SO; Does disciplining children equal positive guidance? This review will examine these questions using literature from articles and research in early childhood education and special education. Teachers struggle to deal with challenging behavior, especially when a child refuses to listen, but not just when they throw themselves on the floor kicking and screaming. Bishop and Baird (2007) explain challenging behavior from children's perspective as their way of communicating that something is wrong with their experience using pain or distress. Additionally, children without self-control, maturity, less understanding, and not knowing how to express their emotions appropriately or when tired respond with difficult behavior (Flicker & Hoffman, 2002). As children with challenging behavior have difficulty communicating with adults and peers, Neece and Baker (2008) examined children with developmental disabilities and how this affects parents. Children with both challenging behavior and antisocial skills stress parents because they don't know how to deal...... middle of paper ...... real disabilities. Finally, as an early childhood teacher, I found this literature review to be very educational and useful to my practice. To be a caring teacher, I must be able to understand and provide positive guidance to children with challenging behavior. Using good observation and collaboration with parents and communities will create knowledge, skills and strategies for using effective discipline for children. As for me, I learned the importance of working in a positive relationship with parents, of respecting and better understanding their situation. It is my responsibility to use observation, reflection, goal setting and self-assessment to generate and share new ideas. It would have been helpful to have some New Zealand research or articles that could include New Zealand and Pacific Island perspectives on problematic behaviors..