Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D. @Dr_Hammond
Psychologist | Author | Speaker, Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.
Parenting and School Behavior
@Dr_Hammond
Dr. Michael Robinson: In what ways is it possible for “good” parents with “excellent” parenting skills have children who exhibit bad behavior in school?
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: There are many parents with good intentions and "excellent" parenting skills, but their children may still have difficulties controlling their behavior in school. These behavioral problems can be due to a variety of reasons, such as children having difficulties adjusting to stress in their life (such as recent divorce, move, financial difficulties, bullying, etc.). Other children may have a mental health condition or other traumas that are not addressed. Yet. other children may have more "difficult" temperaments or struggle with managing anger, that may make parenting more of a challenge. It is not always fair to blame parents for children's negative behavior in school, because many factors contribute to children's actions.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Should “good” parents/parenting be held responsible for the bad behavior of their children in school?
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Who defines what "good" parenting looks like? Should parents who have children with mental health conditions be punished? Should parents be blamed if children are having difficulties adjusting to the loss of a loved one? The reality is instead of "blaming" parents, we should be focused on educating parents on how to appropriately help their children. Not every parent knows what to do when their child is diagnosed with depression or anxiety, for instance, and not every parent even knows the mental health struggles their child may be experiencing. The society we live in wants to place blame. Instead, we need to work together on prevention and intervention efforts to reduce behavioral problems in school.
Dr. Michael Robinson: How can or should educators assist parents who are struggling with the behaviors of their children?
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Educators can provide parents who are struggling with the behaviors of their children with support by recommended tools to support parents, such as apps, websites, and mental health resources. I have also seen schools that have provided programs to help parents in need, as some parents may be dealing with mental health difficulties as well. It is also critical for educators to have a good communication system with parents. Instead of simply saying "your child made bad choices today", develop a system where more detailed information is given to the parents, which can help the parent to address it.
Dr. Michael Robinson: What should the role of the Parent(s) be regarding student behavior in the classroom
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Parents should consider themselves to be a part of a team when it comes to the behavior management of their child. Parents, teachers, and the school administration all have a role in the well-being of children. Parents also have a responsibility to attend parent-teacher conferences and communicate regularly throughout the school year with their child's teacher. Teachers should be receiving information about students from parents who can help them understand the students' needs. When resources are exchanged, this can also help children be successful in their academics.
Bio
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond’s career has spanned over 15 years, and has been in private practice through Hammond Psychology & Associates, PA since 2009. Throughout this time, she has helped many children cope with and even improve their conditions. She is regularly booked nationwide as a speaker on the topics of children’s mental health and parental wellness. Dr. Hammond has also appeared on renowned media outlets to discuss her topics of expertise.
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: There are many parents with good intentions and "excellent" parenting skills, but their children may still have difficulties controlling their behavior in school. These behavioral problems can be due to a variety of reasons, such as children having difficulties adjusting to stress in their life (such as recent divorce, move, financial difficulties, bullying, etc.). Other children may have a mental health condition or other traumas that are not addressed. Yet. other children may have more "difficult" temperaments or struggle with managing anger, that may make parenting more of a challenge. It is not always fair to blame parents for children's negative behavior in school, because many factors contribute to children's actions.
Dr. Michael Robinson: Should “good” parents/parenting be held responsible for the bad behavior of their children in school?
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Who defines what "good" parenting looks like? Should parents who have children with mental health conditions be punished? Should parents be blamed if children are having difficulties adjusting to the loss of a loved one? The reality is instead of "blaming" parents, we should be focused on educating parents on how to appropriately help their children. Not every parent knows what to do when their child is diagnosed with depression or anxiety, for instance, and not every parent even knows the mental health struggles their child may be experiencing. The society we live in wants to place blame. Instead, we need to work together on prevention and intervention efforts to reduce behavioral problems in school.
Dr. Michael Robinson: How can or should educators assist parents who are struggling with the behaviors of their children?
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Educators can provide parents who are struggling with the behaviors of their children with support by recommended tools to support parents, such as apps, websites, and mental health resources. I have also seen schools that have provided programs to help parents in need, as some parents may be dealing with mental health difficulties as well. It is also critical for educators to have a good communication system with parents. Instead of simply saying "your child made bad choices today", develop a system where more detailed information is given to the parents, which can help the parent to address it.
Dr. Michael Robinson: What should the role of the Parent(s) be regarding student behavior in the classroom
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: Parents should consider themselves to be a part of a team when it comes to the behavior management of their child. Parents, teachers, and the school administration all have a role in the well-being of children. Parents also have a responsibility to attend parent-teacher conferences and communicate regularly throughout the school year with their child's teacher. Teachers should be receiving information about students from parents who can help them understand the students' needs. When resources are exchanged, this can also help children be successful in their academics.
Bio
Dr. Nekeshia Hammond’s career has spanned over 15 years, and has been in private practice through Hammond Psychology & Associates, PA since 2009. Throughout this time, she has helped many children cope with and even improve their conditions. She is regularly booked nationwide as a speaker on the topics of children’s mental health and parental wellness. Dr. Hammond has also appeared on renowned media outlets to discuss her topics of expertise.