Most kids look forward to the start of the new school year or at least hold it together with their best behavior within the first few weeks of school. It’s human nature to present well; most of us are hard-wired to get along with others. In fact, this can easily be seen in the social communication behavior called “mimicking”. Often, we take on the behavior of others like body gestures, slang talk, or habits unconsciously without even thinking about it. For example, when I go to the southern part of our country, the “bible belt”, the “y’alls” come flying off my tongue like I was a good ol’ boy from Missouri.
However, there comes a time, when enough is enough and many of our kids wear the honeymoon period thin. And the old patterns make themselves clear and evident. I say this, catch the transitions BEFORE they happen and look for subtle changes along the way so you can respond with intervention early. Often, when kids have hit the wall, and melt-downs, anxiety, or old patterns kick in, it’s already too late. So watch for your son’s or daughter’s little signs and respond accordingly.
I remember year’s ago, a client warned the school, “My son will be looking at ways to manipulate you and even though he may be charming and absolutely, your “model” student, this will come to a crashing halt”. However, the school’s polyanna-like staff refused to take their advice and kept on holding on to the notion that Paul was “doing great; he may have turned a corner”. This was the same message his parents had heard year after year and then, sometime in late October, the veil would come crashing down; Paul would move through a true Jeckyll and Hyde character shift; in fact, always around Halloween.
Your child may not experience a dynamic shift like Paul, however, it’s always worth taking notice of the smallest shifts especially when anxiety is an issue. Bring these concerns to your child’s teacher as soon as possible and explore interventions early on. In light of behavior, prevention is the best medicine in light of intervention.
For more information or support in these area, please call us. We are here for you!