Misbehaviors are somewhat natural issues among children of school age. It is then the responsibility of teachers and even adults at home to know of the proper management on how to address this problem among children.

                                Looking at the possible causes or reasons of misbehaviors can help us deal with it. They maybe some of the following:

• Boredom- the child may have no interest in the present activity
• Unmeet physical needs- check if the child is tired, hungry or sick
• Inappropriate environment- see if the environment doesn’t fit the activity
• Unclear direction/ rule- the child may not know what to do
• Inappropriate expectations for the developmental stage of the child- he may be too young or too old with the activity
• Unmeet emotional needs- check if the child receives enough guidance from adults or if he feels capable
• Situation- see if he is simply responding to an incident that has just happened
• Family dynamics- he may be responding the way he is treated at home
• Difference in temperament- the behavior may just show a result of temperamental trait

                                One of the best strategies on dealing with the above causes of misbehaviors is being firm but kind. This is by meaning what you say with a calm tone to let children know that you are serious about what you want them to do. This can be very effective if done consistently.

                                Sometimes we need also to be specific. Never give them choices or avoid asking them to do things. Don’t say, “Can you sweep the floor?”  Instead say, “Please sweep the floor.”

                                Discipline is another issue which is sometimes mistaken as punishment, but definitely it’s not. It is one way of teaching children what is right from wrong, how to respect the rights of others and which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. If setting discipline towards children sometimes become difficult, it’s nice to remember that it is for their own good. Only that we also have to consider that all children have their differences; different temperaments and developmental levels. So we adult have to find the style of discipline that may work to each child that we deal with.  There’s a discipline that may work with a child but not to another.

                                 Good also to consider that we have to stay calm, avoid too much criticism, don’t focus on negatives, avoid too much praises, avoid physical punishments and giving rewards is definitely great.

By: Edilina P. Enriquez | T-III | Calungusan Elementary school