When your child is frequently being called out for discipline issues—whether it’s talking out of turn, disrupting class, or receiving detention—it’s essential to look beyond the immediate punishment to the root cause of the behavior. Often, disruptive behavior is a signal: the child may be struggling with the academic material and acting out to mask the difficulty, or they may be seeking attention from peers or the teacher. A calm, non-judgmental conversation with your child about why they are doing what they’re doing is the first step toward finding a lasting solution.
Once you have a better understanding, partner with the teacher and administration to ensure that home discipline and school consequences are consistent and supportive. Ask the teacher for an action plan that clearly outlines expectations and consequences. Focus on positive reinforcement by praising and rewarding the times when your child does exhibit good behavior, rather than focusing solely on the negative incidents. This collaborative, positive approach helps the child understand that the goal is not just compliance, but self-regulation and respect for the learning environment.
Navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. Open communication, proactive research, and collaboration with school staff are your best tools in ensuring your child has a positive and productive school experience. If you have questions, or need help navigating the school system for your child be sure to contact us here at Their F1RST Teacher.
Dr. Nakiesha Sinclair
Executive Director
Their FIRST Teacher