What is Behavior Problem?
Behavior Problem is symptomatic expression of emotional or interpersonal maladjustment especially in children. The early signs include nail-biting, enuresis, negativism, or overt hostile or antisocial acts.
It is also defined as an unwanted behavior that needs changing. It is a pattern of hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behavior which goes beyond societal norms. Although it does not serve to seriously impair individual function, it can be a problem area.
Behavior Problem is considered typicality unacceptable. It is a consistent pattern. People with behavioral problems often require medical intervention to improve.
Symptoms of Behavior Problem.
Behavior Problems have many symptoms, including but not limited to.
*Agitation
*Angry-defiant behavior.
*Carelessness.
*Disinterest or withdrawal from daily activities.
*Drug use.
*Disruptive talking.
*Hoarding useless objects.
*Inappropriate behavior.
*Inflated self-esteem or over confidence.
*Obsessive thoughts
*Poor judgment.
*Property damage.
*Self-injury.
*Criminal behavior
*Low interest in school or work.
*Engaging in verbal or physical bullying.
*Excessive feeling of isolation.
*They can show absence of emotions to aggressive emotions.
According to Merck Manual, Behavior Problem manifest in different ways among boys and girls, boys with behavior problems may fight, steal or deface property while girls with behavior problem may lie or run away from home.
Causes of Behavior Problem.
*Family situations, conflict or death.
*Poverty.
*Anxiety.
*Ageing which can lead to dementia.
*Depression.
*Schizophrenia.
*Substance abuse.
*Genetic Link.
Treatment for Behavior Problem.
Doctors treat behavior problem by diagnosing its causes, those who are at risk of harming themselves may require an impatient stay at a hospital for their personal safety.
*counseling.
*Therapy.
*Medication.
* Parenting skills classes.
Tips For Educators To Control Behavior Problems In Classes To Maintain Discipline.
*Take a walk. While teaching walk and stand near the troublesome student, this puts you in control of the student, who becomes more conscious as such a reminder.
*Propel Action. Call on the student to give an answer, read a passage, mention a word or do anything you can think of. This distracts the student temporarily and puts the student’s mind off being troublesome and make student more conscious.
*Flash the look. Give a troublesome student a look at intervals. This reminds the student that he is acting inappropriately and that the behavior is unacceptable, focus on the child don’t disturb or distract others.
*Make use of Gentle Touch. While teaching walk over to a troublesome student and gently touch the student. When the student’s attention is drawn shake your head or put your fingers to your lips to let the student know that the behavior is inappropriate.
*Use unexpected word that requires no answer, stop it, Cool it. This can expose other students who are also misbehaving.
*Make an utterance: Speak directly to the behavior. You must address the behavior directly not the child, they are not the same. For example, your screaming is distracting others rather than you are distracting us. You want to eliminate the unacceptable behavior not the student.
Make use of isolation corner: Move the troublesome student or child to an “isolation corner” in the classroom.
*Involve the counselor. Refer the student or child to a School Counselor.
*Involve the parents. Write a brief note to the parents describing the behavior and the method you have used to eliminate the behavior, mention the effect the behavior is having on the student. You must document or keep a copy of the note.
*Make a phone call: Talk to the parents in a friendly manner, ask the parents to work with you to help the child eliminate the unacceptable behavior. Make sure you document the phone call.
Call for a meeting: Meet with troublesome student parents. Describe the behavior and ask the parents to help to eliminate the unwanted behavior. Ask for suggestions, it must be such that will help to stop the behavior. Also document the meeting.
Ask for external help. Discuss with the counselor steps to be taken.
Ask for an internal Transfer. The student can behave well in another Educators classroom while waiting for positive steps to be taken, arrange with a colleague to have the student in his class to observe the student.
Whenever you notice changes in behavior as listed under Symptoms notify the counselor/authority.
Mrs. Ezuka Peace.
Vice Principal/Counselor.