When your child is having trouble behaving well at home, you can bet that he is having the same problems in school. Behavioral problems, whether it's a problem with anger management and tantrums, aggression or just an inability to listen effectively, will affect your child's success in school as well as his family relationships. Make sure that you discipline behavior problems as soon as you notice them, so your child understands what is expected. A little extra work at home can improve his school and family experience.
Step 1
Talk to your child's teacher about her behavior at school. Your teacher can explain some of the things that your child has trouble with, whether it's problems with other children or issues with paying attention and focusing in school. Talking to your teacher can help you understand if it's a school-only issue, or if it's something that you deal with at home as well.
Step 2
Explain to your child the type of behavior that is acceptable at both home and school. Let him know that you talked to his teacher, and what he had to say. Lay down the new ground rules, complete with the consequences for further disruptive behavior. If you notice the behavior still occurring at home, remove your child from the situation immediately and place him in a time-out so he understands that it is not tolerated.
Step 3
Use consequences that are sensible and logical, says the University of Michigan Health System. Your child can understand a cause-and-effect chain of events. When she misbehaves, like fighting with another child, she is removed and doesn't get to play. If she is unfocused in class, she must spend recess or time after school to make it up. This helps her to understand that her behavior has a reaction and consequence.
Step 4
Reward good behavior at home and in school, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. Good grades should receive a small gift or a night out to dinner. At home, be generous with your praise throughout the day. Although it may seem like a small thing to you, rewards and accolades may be enough to help your child to continue his good behavior.
Step 5
Contact your pediatrician if a discipline and reward system doesn't seem to solve your child's behavioral problems. It could be that she is suffering from a behavioral disorder, like Attention Deficit Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder, that is not only affecting how she acts, but is affecting your ability to change the behavior on your own.
