How to Improve Behavioral Problems at School Through Positive Behavior at Home

Behavioral problems in the classroom are increasing for many reasons. Limited staff, an increase in classroom size, and mental health/behavioral disorders are on the rise. This can make for various obstacles every year for teachers and staff. The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health and economic stability for families, resulting in fewer resources for students who might struggle in a particular area.

Students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD typically meet more challenges within the classroom. If you suspect or have been told your child is showing signs of either ADHD or an Autism Spectrum Disorder, an Autism Assessment in Overland Park may help ensure additional resources, a more specific learning plan, and extra help to assist your child in the classroom.

ADHD evaluations in Overland Park can also be very helpful if you notice signs of ADHD in your child. These signs may include impulsive behavior, excessive energy, problems focusing, and difficulties with organization. Because trained professionals are able to diagnose ADHD, it’s important to have ADHD evaluations in Overland Park, especially if you see some of these signs in your child. It’s possible that a child can exhibit these symptoms but also have another co-occurring disorder, such as a learning disability.  Therefore, completing learning disability evaluations in Overland Park will help ensure that you can determine the best path forward for your child.

Once a child has received a diagnosis, it’s essential to know how you can help improve their behavior in the classroom. Some simple and helpful tips you can do while at home include:

• Point out when you see good behavior at home. This is a way for your child to see and feel an example of what they are trying to achieve. Let them know when they made the right choice or shown appropriate behaviors at home. This can help them understand what is expected as well as continue to build a positive sense of self-esteem, which can support their attitude and emotional outlook at school.

• Only focus on major behavioral interruptions. If you are constantly critiquing your child at home, you will likely frustrate them and escalate the situation into something more significant. Ignore the smaller things and focus on one or two behaviors that seem to be the most problematic. If you can manage these at home, it may help improve your child’s overall behavior at school.

• Offer a different activity to burn some energy. For instance, if you child is tapping their food and making noise, consider sending them on a task such as feeding the dog or taking out the trash. This keeps their feet busy, gives them a sense of responsibility, and helps them release some built-up energy. This five-minute break can be all they need to get back on track. If you find success with this at home, work with your child’s teacher to find a similar task at school. Maybe it’s returning a book to the library, going to get a drink of water, or feeding the class pet.

If you are struggling to find the right support for your child, contact me, Dr. Tish Taylor, Ph.D. I am a licensed child psychologist who specializes in Overland Park ADHD testing. My experience working in and with schools makes me a valuable resource for parents. I offer ADHD parenting classes in Overland Park and have a wide range of experience with diagnoses, including ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning deficits, anxiety, mood, and behavior problems.

I utilize the latest research to create intervention methods to give your child and your family the support they need, including learning disability evaluations in Overland Park.

You can also receive guidance through my books focused on Fostering Connection and Parenting ADHD with Wisdom & Grace. Click here to find out more about these publications and how they can be a major benefit to you and your child.

I also offer webinars focused on developing an intervention plan and how to get through to a child that struggles with listening. You can learn more about these two helpful classes by clicking here.