When Your Child Acts Out At School
It isn’t unusual for children, especially younger ones, to act out at school when they are excited or anxious. Usually, acting out is triggered by a strong emotion that a child has difficulty understanding and can manifest through negative behavior, such as talking during class, name-calling or picking on other children.
When this behavior occurs occasionally there generally isn’t much cause for concern, however, if it is frequent and persistent it could impact your child’s functioning academically and/or socially. You don’t have to wait for their behavior to become unmanageable to reach out for help.
Understanding “Acting Out”
Finding out the cause of your child’s behaviors can help you know where to start. According to Andrea Mathews of Psychology Today, the term “acting out” was coined sometime in the ‘80s and was applied to children misbehaving in school. She said that it means outwardly expressing what is felt inside or “acting … from (the) inside out.” Healthline says that “a child is ‘acting out’ when they exhibit unrestrained and improper actions … fighting, throwing fits, stealing, or antisocial behavior” and that “if behavior lasts longer than 6 months, you should consult a healthcare professional.”
So, what’s behind the behavior? Healthline says that there are usually psychological or emotional factors that trigger acting out. They are often complicated, which is why counseling can often help to promptly address behaviors and overwhelming emotions. Acting out can be related to conditions such as ADHD, ODD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
Encouraging Change and Finding Support
A child who often acts out may be negatively labeled as a troublemaker and not get the help they deserve. The more you understand about your child’s behavior, the sooner you can intervene. Therapy can help to provide support as well as skills training to find healthier ways to respond to intense emotions and triggers.
Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, North Carolina contracts with skilled child therapists who care. Find what you and your child are looking for with CCS. Call now to schedule your first appointment!