Many young children engage in challenging behaviors that could have short- and long-term negative effects for both the children and their families. Challenging behaviors refer to "any repeated pattern of behavior, or perception of behavior, that interferes with or is at risk of interfering with optimal learning or engagement in prosocial interactions with peers and adults" (Powell, Fixsen, Dunlap, Smith, & Fox, 2007, p. 83). If challenging behaviors are not addressed early with appropriate intervention and evidence-based practices, there is an increased likelihood that children will struggle with poor academic achievement, peer rejection, and mental health concerns in the future. Challenging behavior could also have negative effects on a person's family, peers, and the community at large (Dunlap et al., 2006; Powell et al., 2007). Heward (2005) posited that behavioral strategies are highly effective for teaching children new skills and modifying existing behaviors. Nevertheless, many parents and educators experience difficulties understanding and using these practices effectively with young children. One of the major obstacles facing parents and family members, as they attempt to address their child's challenging behavior, is confusion or unfamiliarity with the terminology and the technical jargon of behavioral interventions. Therefore, initial efforts should focus on helping family members understand the terminology used to assess and analyze challenging behavior, so they can collaborate with others to develop interventions that effectively address challenging behaviors. This article discusses basic behavioral concepts to provide family members and professionals with practical and essential knowledge about challenging behavior, the reasons it occurs, and the process by which adults can effectively select strategies to prevent or intervene on these behaviors. This information can help family members and professionals feel better prepared to take an active role when working with children who engage in challenging behaviors