Problems in School - Lilburn,GA

Hi S.,
I had the same problem with my son when he was 5 (he is now 13, 8th grade). It's the impulsive thing, to see what kind of reaction he gets, even if it's negative. My son also had trouble staying on task, not paying attention, etc. He ended up with a diagnosis of ADHD. Not that you're son is adhd,just sharing with you what I dealt with. I would always have to tell him to keep his hands and feet to himself. Keep close contact with his teacher about his behavior and keep doing what you are doing with consequences and eventually maybe he will think about his actions before doing them. Good Luck

Don't be to hard on yourself. All children are different, he may just need a little extra attention in some areas. My daughter has been acting out a little bit at home, but in school she is a perfect angel. I try to remember that she's in a new school, and she's not the baby anymore. We starting getting a sitter for the baby and taking her out alone on Sat afternoons just to "catch up", and after while I realized her behavior was just needing some extra attention.

It's not a matter of what you did wrong, which is more than likely nothing, it's how you are responding now. To change a behavior it takes lots of repetition and practice. Continue to punish negative behaviors and reward positive ones. When he acts appropriately towards another child make a big deal about it. You will also have to take to him a lot about respecting others, probably every day for a while. Come up with a short list of positive behaviors (hands to self, talk nicely, etc.) and review that list each morning before school. When he gets in trouble consistently punish him but also make him tell you something good he did during the day. Sometimes we focus too much on the negative and overlook the many positive things I am sure he did. Another good thing is role playing. You and him can practice positive behaviors by acting them out.

Not sure but he may just be testing the limits - new environment, new teacher, new kids, new schedule. A lot of new things to get used to. He needs to know where the boundaries are and what the consequences are for crossing the line. Be consistent, even when it's exhausting.

Hi S.,
You may want to read "the Sensory Sensitive Child". It is a fabulous book and is so insightful. If you read it and feel it may apply, drop me a note and I will support in any way. I bet he is a great kid and needs that understanding! I know my little guy sure was :).
J.

Sugar (and fake sugar) can cause misbehavior. What is he eating for breakfast? I give my kids French toast (with real maple syrup - it makes a difference), slow-cooked oatmeal (make a bunch and it can be reheated, or add 1 egg to 1 cup leftover and fry like pancakes, or add milk and reheat), eggs, fresh fruit. Also cod liver oil (strawberry flavor by Nordic Naturals) helps with behavior and supports the brain. It sounds gross, but it isn't, they get the fish flavor out.

Sounds like a kid being a kid to me. My daughter is the social butterfly and it has gotten better with age! You are on the right track at home but what is the teacher doing at school to help him learn that this isn't how to behave in class? You both need to be on the same page about this. Set up a meeting with him/her after school and see what is going on in class and she can see what is going on at home. IF she isn't disciplining him at school, he is going to keep doing it. He needs a 3 strike rule. First 2 are warnings and 3rd takes away 5 mins of his recess. He does it again, another 5 mins and so on. Once you and his teacher come up with a plan, tell your son right there on the spot what is going on and why. Ask him if he understands or has questions. Then have him repeat back to you in his own words what is going on and what will happen if he misbehaves in class. This will make sure he is on the same page too and then you can remind him of the talk you both had with his teacher. This will also put more responsibility on him to be good too.

Good luck!
S.