Managing antisocial behavior is a critical issue facing those who work with young children, as the presence of early socialization problems is the single greatest predictor of adolescent and adult antisocial behavior. This booklet highlights the effectiveness of behavior management strategies that introduce and reinforce positive behaviors, rather than simply eliminating the negative ones. The booklet's introduction provides a rationale for the development of social competence in young children, differentiating social competence and social skills, and defining antisocial behaviors. The second section examines contributing factors to antisocial behavior in young children. The third section discusses early identification of such behaviors and early intervention, listing dimensions that can measure when a behavior requires intervention: frequency, duration, intensity, topography [physical signs] and latency. The fourth section addresses working with parents to manage a child's antisocial behavior. The fifth section cautions caregivers to check their assumptions about children's coping mechanisms and examine the purposes behind a child's behavior. The sixth section offers several steps for caregivers to follow when considering an intervention for antisocial children, including modeling social competence, examining environmental stimuli that reinforce antisocial behavior, and teaching appropriate alternatives. The booklet concludes with a case study in which the previous steps were used to manage and improve one child's antisocial behavior. (Contains 12 references.) (HTH)