Understanding Your Child’s Behavior Presented by Pupil Services and Attendance Local District 4 Isabel Villalobos, Coordinator District Counselors Jaime Ducreux, Alicia Garoupa, Dorothy Owens

Definition of Behavior The manner of conducting oneself Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an individual in relation to the environment

What Does This Mean? Behavior is: Observable Specific What your child does and NOT who your child is Changeable!!

Developmental Stage: Ages 6 to 12 Developmental Goal: To develop industry A child begins to learn the capacity to work; develops imagination, creativity, self-care skills, a conscience, the ability to cooperate, play fairly, and follow social rules.

Potential Problem Areas Stress on family system Changes in or chaotic environment Undetected developmental lags or disabilities Peer pressure Lack of discipline or limit setting Too rigid or too permissive parenting

“NORMAL” Difficult Behavior Fears Tantrums Inappropriate language or jokes Poor hygiene Fighting with opposite sex peers

Cries for Help: Ages 6-12 Underachievement at school Inability to concentrate Lying Stealing Eating/sleeping too much or too little Frequent nightmares or night terrors Learning problems

Developmental Stage : Ages 13 to 18 Developmental Goal: To develop identity The child develops self-identity and the capacity for intimacy.

Potential Problem Areas Stress on family system Assumption by parents that hormonal changes are cause of behavior & mood difficulties Peer pressure/gang influence Experimentation with drugs Sexual promiscuity Overly rigid or overly permissive parents Involvement with criminal justice system

“NORMAL” Difficult Behavior Moodiness Less affection shown to parents Greatly influenced by peers Preoccupation with sex Extremely self-involved

Cries for Help: Ages 13-18 Regular use of alcohol and/or other drugs Sexual promiscuity Lying Stealing Destructive behavior Delinquent behavior Poor school behavior

Cries for Help: Ages 13-18 (continued) Underachievement in school Change in eating and/or sleeping habits Difficulty concentrating Inability to cope with everyday problems and activities Persistent negative mood and attitude

Influences on Behavior Acknowledge the Whole Child Physical Emotional Social Environmental Factors Home School Community

Causes of Behavior Physiology Motivation Anxiety Academic / Social Skills Deficits

Key Concepts for Changing Behavior Identify target behavior(s) Negative, as well as positive “desired” behavior Identify a variety of meaningful reinforcers (motivators) Reinforce immediately, whenever possible Reinforce every response initially Specify the conditions for delivery of the reinforcer Eliminate, Reduce, or Override Reinforcers for Problem Behavior

Key Concepts for Changing Behavior Create clear, simple, positive expectations Be firm, fair, consistent and persistent “Catch them being good” Emphasize/acknowledge strengths “Remove your filter” TRY not to personalize negative behavior Model appropriate behavior Hang in there and get help when you need it!

Understanding Your Child in School Attendance Academics Behavior

Attendance Good Attendance: Consistent and on time The Compulsory Education Law (EC 48200) in the United States says that it is the responsibility of every parent to assure that every child between the ages of 6-18 attends school every day and on time. What does this mean? In school every day, every period, and on time.

Factors Impacting Your Child’s Attendance Motivation and expectations Proper rest and nutrition Your child’s relationship with: The School (3 positive adults) Peers Your relationship with: The School Community

Practical Ways to Help Your Student with Attendance Morning routine for your child Monitor your child’s attendance Communicate with school If your child has serious health concerns that affect attendance, contact the Nurse and/or Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor at your child’s school. Follow through with school recommendations

Academics Academic Success: Comes to school ready to learn (materials, uniform, positive mindset) Completes all homework and projects Participates in class Utilize school resources (tutoring, intersession, Saturday school)

Factors Impacting Your Child’s Academics Attendance Study Habits Daily homework Structured time and location Value of Education Parent Participation in School Meetings Review Report Card

Practical Ways to Help Your Student with Academics Tips at Report Card Time SIT DOWN with your child and look over the report card. PRAISE YOUR CHILD. Find at least one good thing. BE CALM! Let your child tell you about his/her grades (good or bad). ASK how you can help your child to maintain good grades or do better. ASK what your child can do to maintain good grades or make better grades. MAKE A PLAN with your child’s teacher and your child continual success or improvement.

School Behavior Appropriate School Behavior: Follows classroom and school-wide rules

Factors Impacting School Behavior Adults vs. Peers Learning Difficulties Support System Community

Practical Ways to Help Your Student with School Behavior Appropriate school behavior can start at home through: Rules Enforce consequences at home for behavior at school Boundaries Modeling Monitoring Communicate with school staff

How to Help Your Child be Successful in School Focus on your child’s strengths and target their weaknesses Use positive talk and praise See handout: 101 Ways to Praise a Child Make education a priority in your home Reward your child for completed tasks Reinforce your child’s school success at home

Parent Involvement is Key to Your Child’s Success! Research shows that the most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student’s family becomes involved in their children’s education at school and in the community. LAUSD recognizes that, when schools and parents form strong partnerships, our children’s potential for educational success improves significantly.