Case
Child's mom got married, now the child throws temper tantrums multiple times a day

Three weeks ago, one of my student's mother got remarried. As I later learned, up until she got married the child slept in her room since he was a baby (he is almost 5 now). Since she got remarried, he is defiant and refuses to do what anybody asks him if he is upset. He will scream and throw temper tantrums to get attention. I have put him on a behavior chart to let his mom know each day when the issues happen and what the issue is. Mom does not seem to have any suggestions and does not return my phone calls or emails. He has been sent to the office multiple times in the last 3 weeks, but none of the punishments or incentives seem to motivate him anymore. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Posted on: 03/09/15 | Views: 866
Solution #1
I would definitely recommend the child spending time with the school councilor. Maybe, the child is feeling lonely or left out at home and that is why he is lashing out and behaving this way. The school councilor will know what to do best for the child.

Thanks! I've actually done that already so now just waiting for the counselor to speak with him. Hopefully it will help!

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Solution #2
As a classroom teacher, it is important to recognize student emotions and teach them how to appropriately deal with these emotions. While it is not appropriate for the child to scream and throw tantrums, he or she does need to be able to release their anger. You could develop 3-5 acceptable ways for the student to express their anger. An example would be for the student to be able to write down anything they are thinking and then throw it away. This allows the students to express their anger, but it is not disruptive to the class. I also think it will be important for the teacher to work with the student during the tantrums to let them know that they understand and hear their frustration. They child will need to fell heard if they are going to begin working through their issues and lessening the frequency and severity of the tantrums.
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Solution #3
In this situation it is important that i do my due diligence as an educator to help this student. I would suggest that he go to the office when he is upset not because he is in trouble but because he should speak to a specialist there. If this continues however and the parents do not return calls or emails i will follow up on it with administrators because it may be a sign of neglect.
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Solution #4
I would have a parent conference and keep all the behavior logged into a book. When talking to the parents show them the records.
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Solution #5
I would let the guidance counselor know what is happening with the student. It is possible the child may be feeling left out or lonely, especially if they don't have any siblings. He may not feel like his mother's top priority anymore since there is a new man permanently in the family. Constant punishment may not be a good fit for this child. Try positive reinforcement.
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Solution #6
I would try to have a parent- teacher conference with the mother to explain the issues that are happening within the classroom. If she is still not answering, I would have the school counselor meet with this student.
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Solution #7
I would recommend talking with the student and referring the student to the school counselor. It is important to let the child know he/she has support at school. It seems the child is acting out in order to receive attention.
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Solution #8
I would play a game with the student and just have a one-on-one talk. See if the student needs attention or needs to go to the counselor.
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