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We are all prone to the occasional temper tantrum. We can all have a meltdown when life gets on tops of us. None of us are perfect, and this truth sometimes displays itself in the way we behave. We are human; a jumbled mass of feelings and emotions that sometimes do us more harm than good.

And the same is true of our children. While we want them to behave in a way that is acceptable to others, we often have to confront the fact that they sometimes behave in less than desirable ways. On occasion, this behavior will only last for a short time; a blip on their otherwise excellent track record. At other times, their bad behavior will persist, resulting in letters or phone calls from the child’s school requesting those all-important parent-teacher meetings to resolve any issues.

Are you relating to what we are saying thus far?

For all we know, your child might be the epitome of good manners and respectful behavior; an apple in the eye of you, their teachers, and their peers. On the other hand, the opposite might be true. Your child might be acting out at school, causing trouble through difficult behavior. As we suggested, it might just be a blip, but it’s always worth examining where these problem behaviors come from before they continue into the long-term.

In this article, we will look at some of the reasons why children act out at school. We don’t have all of the answers, but if your child is currently displaying signs of bad behavior at school, you may well find the answer herein. In all cases, get in touch with your child’s teacher or headteacher to explore possible solutions.

Reason #1: Your child might have a disruptive behavioral disorder

Typical behavior disorders are ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), and CD (conduct disorder). These are neurological disorders that affect around 3-5 % of the population, and cannot currently be cured. They can play a part in our child’s behavior, with symptoms including hyperactivity and restlessness (ADHD), a lack of empathy and a refusal to follow authority (CD), and frequent temper tantrums (ODD). Chances are, if your children are regularly getting into trouble at school for reasons that can’t always be understood, they may have at least one of these disorders. As difficult as these conditions are, there are solutions that can make them manageable. Your child’s doctor might prescribe medication to limit certain aggressive tendencies, for example, and might also suggest some form of behavioral therapy to help your child manage their instincts. If you suspect your child has one of these behavioral disorders then, mention this to your child’s teacher and book an appointment with your doctor. If diagnosed, strategies should then be put in place to help your child at school, some of which you might also want to implement at home.

Reason #2: Your child might have academic issues

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There are two key issues here, either one of which could affect how your child behaves at school.

If your child is struggling academically, he or she might try to hide their weaknesses through disruptive behaviors. They might become the ‘class clown’ for example, or they might do something to be sent out of the classroom. Thankfully, your child’s teacher should recognize your child’s academic struggles early, though it’s still worth you talking to your child about their behavior and any problems they might be having with their school work. If they are found to be struggling, attempts should be made by your child’s school to give your child the extra assistance they might need. You should also consider your role in your child’s education, and perhaps give them extra tuition at home.

On the flip side, your child might be excelling academically. They might finish work quickly because the tasks they have been given are too easy for them. This might lead to boredom and frustration, and again, this could present itself in your child’s behavior in the classroom. Your child might become argumentative with the teacher, for example, or they might become annoyed at other children who aren’t as smart as they are. In such cases, your child’s educational needs should be assessed, perhaps through a gifted test. Adjustments should then be made to support your child’s particular educational needs, and this should prevent any further behavioral issues.

Reason #3: Your child might be trying to impress their peers

This is usually the case when a child has difficulty making social connections with others. They will try to gain the approval of their peers by acting silly in the classroom, and by making their classmates laugh, your child might then get the attention that they otherwise miss out on. This is problematic, of course, as such behavior can become a pattern. Your child’s classmates might encourage such behavior to continue, and in an effort to be liked by others, your child might then continue, despite their best interests.

Again, you should talk to your child about the behaviors they exhibit and explain why they are  inappropriate. You should also talk to your child’s teacher. Most schools put strategies in place to help those children who struggle socially, with dinnertime clubs and special lessons on building confidence, so find out what is on offer for your child. You might also help your child make social connections, perhaps by encouraging them to join after-school clubs, or by inviting other children around to your home.

Of course, your child might have no social issues at all. By acting silly in the classroom, they might simply enjoy making themselves and their friends happy at the expense of the frustrated teacher. In such an instance, you should work with your child’s teacher on a strategy. For example, you might discuss penalties at home, such as grounding your child if your teacher lets you know your child has behaved badly. Your child’s teacher might also use a range of techniques to curb any disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Finally

The reasons for a child’s bad behavior are varied and many so we might not have hit the proverbial nail on the head here if your child is currently exhibiting bad behavior traits. However, consider our suggestions, and communicate with your child and their teachers to try to gain a better understanding as to why your child behaves like they do. Solutions can usually be found, and these will be beneficial to both your child and their teachers.

Let us know your thoughts.