1. 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

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Causes of Behavior Physiology Motivation Anxiety
Academic / Social Skills Deficits

15. 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

16. 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!

17. Understanding Your Child in School
Attendance
Academics
Behavior

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. 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

23. 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.

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

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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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.