My son won't listen to his teacher!?

Question

What can I do to get him to listen. He comes home everyday with a note saying how bad of a day he had in class. The teacher admits that he is a nice sweet boy and that he wants to behave he just won't. When asked to stop doing something or sit in his seat he might say no or that he doesn't feel like it. What can I do to get him to behave in school? At home he sometimes does the same thing and I make sure to put him in time out. I have tried all sorts of things for at home. I think his main problem is he wants attention even if it is negative. When he has been well behaved at school I make sure to praise him. However today he came home and the teacher said it was the worse day yet! I don't know what to do, He is in kindergarten and turns five on Saturday so he is the youngest in class. I plan on going to the school tomorrow and being in the class with him just to keep an eye on things and see what he is doing and just to help the teacher etc...

So do you have any ideas? Other than his behavior he really seems to enjoy school and is learning quickly.

Answer 1

I have the same problem with my 7.5 yr old at school (he's in second grade this yr). He is on track as far as learning goes but I always hear of the behavior thing. It took me a while to convince the school that he was bored, and he is. They tried with the whole ADHD c**p, I even swallowed hard and called my brother-in-law who's specialty is kids with that problem. He adamantly told me that my son does not have that at all. I didn't think he did, but I was giving the school system the benefit of the doubt. I would refuse pills anyway. Don't just go along with whatever the school says, you have a say. If you think that they need to try something different then tell them. They should be working with you just as hard as they want you working with them. A diet change might help and make sure he's getting enough sleep, but I think he might be too young just yet. My son was 5.5 going into Kindergarten and the cutoff here is Sept 1. Would homeschooling be an option for you?

Answer 2

I think it does not hurt boys to be a little older to start school, so maybe get him to repeat next year;  this is easier to do in the early grades rather than persevering and finding you need to do it later.  Emotional growth is as important as educational ability and I think this needs to be taken into account.  My son also benefited by taking an omega3 supplement.  Good luck!  

Answer 3

um i dunno ground him?

Answer 4

I think that maybe he is just young and not ready for a it down school environment, being that he is only four. It's not like what your saying is that he is being mean to others or hitting or things like that. My brother and I had the same problem, we never listened and we did kindergarten twice, we just werent ready to move on too sit in a class room environment. In terms of time outs I think it is way more effective when you actually take somthing away such as if he really likes to rife bikes after school, take that away for a week if he comes with a bad reoprt, then when he comes home with a ghood reoprt, you know let him watch a movie, but just time outs, sometime dont really sink in, they didnt with me, I just would sit there and count down the simutes. but when its something like oh i cant ride bikes all week, that hits home much more.

Answer 5

He is too young ..Pull him and let him go next year.If he really likes school then tell him he has to act like a big boy or he won't be able to go..Do it now while he is still young..I know lots of kids who were pulled and went the next yr..all turned out to be great students and had no problems the next year.

Answer 6

Are you busy at home very often? Because he may just not be getting the attention he needs. Does he have any friends he spends time with? If not try to help him to socialize..

Answer 7

Whatever you do, be willing to work WITH the teacher, and let her know she has your support.  It might not be a bad idea to give him another year of preschool, so that he doesn't start off in school on the wrong foot- he has 12 more years to go, after all.  If you keep him in, make sure he knows you will NOT tolerate his defiance at home or at school, and follow through with any punishment you threaten him with- losing priviledges, time out, whatever.  And continue the praise, as well.

Answer 8

Getting involved with the class is a great idea.  Perhaps there is something going on socially that has been overlooked.  It also shows an effort on your part to co-operate with the school.

Make sure your little one has a multivitamin every day and reduce sugar and caffeine consummation.  Make sure he is getting enough omega 3 fats.

Try extra curricular activities.  Children all respond well to physical exercise, and it contributes to mental health.  He may learn a thing or two about co-operation.  Also, find books at the library for his age that focus on self esteem and positive behaviour.