Changing Behaviour

Dear Principal,

My son, who is in grade four, had been doing very well in school and recently started getting in trouble and failing some tests. Between my busy work schedule and other personal stuff this is the last thing I need. What can I do?

          Mrs. Lee,

Dear Mrs. Lee,

When there is a change in a child's behaviour it can often be attributed to a change in their environment, or home life. There are so many factors beyond the control and understanding of children. They may feel sad or upset without fully understanding themselves why they act out.

If you have been particularly busy at work your child may feel upset or left out. Children are also very attuned to their parent's emotional state. If there are marital difficulties, a family illness or death, or even severe work stress, children often detect this. How a child handles the change in their home life is an individual response.

If there has been changes in the child's life it is important to inform his teachers. If they understand the reason for their student's stress they will be better able to ask the right questions and help the child understand their own emotions.

His teachers could also provide insight into differences in home and school behaviour. If you notice changes in behaviour at home it can often be helpful to ask his teacher whether his behaviour has also changed at school.