What We See Iceberg

Sometimes a child’s behavior is like the tip of an iceberg—what we see on the outside may hide big feelings or challenges. 

Tantrums, quietness, or acting out might be their way of saying, “I need help” or “Something’s going on.” 

By looking beyond the behavior, we can better understand and support what a child is feeling or experiencing.

What We See

• Avoiding
• Fighting
• Resisting
• Complaining
• Interrupting
• Throwing
• Clinging
• Yelling
• Hitting
• Meltdowns
• Kicking
• Tantrums

What is Happening

• Lagging Skills
• Confusion
• Temperament
• Lack of Control
• Disconnection
• Anxiety/Worry/Fear
• Unmet Sensory Needs
• Hunger
• Stress
• Overwhelmed
• Uncertainty
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Sleep Deprivation

Resources

Get information on what changes you should expect as your child grows with the Developmental Milestones Checklist. 

Call Pennsylvania’s CONNECT Helpline at 1-800-692-7288 for information about your child’s development and connecting to Early Intervention Services in Pennsylvania.

Get information about the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Project.

Click here to print this infographic: What We See Iceberg.