A child who has experienced trauma, prenatal substance exposure, attachment challenges, or other losses and hurts in their early life may struggle with challenging behaviors. These behaviors are usually immature or unhealthy ways the child expresses an underlying need or wound. However, the behaviors are still difficult to cope with and manage. Understanding what causes these challenging behaviors will help parents and caregivers learn new tools to support the child toward healing. Typically, when a child feels safe and understood, they are open to learning with their parents or caregivers, and behavior can improve.