Wellbeing at TPS

A Focus on Behaviour

Hi Families,

As is part of my usual week, I have been talking to a few families and throughout my conversations a common theme is popping up… the difference between behaviour at home and the behaviour we see at school. 

I’ve spoken to some trusted allied health professionals and have some key points I want to share with you about the differences in behaviour that your child may demonstrate at school compared to at home. 

Environmental Factors: School and home environments differ significantly. At school, your child is exposed to a structured setting with academic expectations and social interactions with peers and teachers. At home, they might experience a more relaxed atmosphere, interacting with family members in a comfortable and familiar space.

Social Dynamics: Your child may engage differently with peers and teachers at school compared to interactions with family members at home. They may be more conscious of peer relationships and social acceptance in a school setting, while at home, they might feel more comfortable expressing their true feelings and emotions.

Peer Influence: Peer relationships play a significant role in shaping behaviour at school. Children may adopt certain behaviours to fit in or gain approval from peers. This can lead to variations in behaviour, as they navigate the complexities of social dynamics outside the family unit.

Authority and Structure: At school, your child is guided by teachers and staff who establish rules and expectations. This structured environment often encourages adherence to rules and routines. At home, family dynamics may allow for more flexibility, which can sometimes result in different behaviours.

Emotional Expression: Children may feel more comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts at home, where they feel secure and loved. At school, they might be more reserved due to concerns about judgment or acceptance from their peers.

Coping Mechanisms: Children develop various coping strategies to navigate different environments. They might employ different tactics to manage stress, frustration, or other emotions depending on whether they are at school or home.

Independence: As children grow, they seek to assert their independence. This can manifest differently at school and home. At school, they may exhibit increased responsibility and decision-making abilities, while at home, they might occasionally revert to more dependent behaviours.

Learning and Development: Academic pressures and challenges at school can influence behaviour. Your child's reactions to these pressures might be distinct from how they respond to home-based learning experiences.

The overall message that I encourage you to reflect on is, variation in behaviour between school and home is a normal part of a child's development. It indicates that they are adapting to different contexts and learning to navigate diverse social situations. Open communication between parents, teachers, and children can help create a holistic understanding of their behaviour and provide the support they need to thrive in all environments.

If you have concerns about significant behaviour disparities or notice any persistent changes in your child's behaviour, it could be beneficial to engage with your child’s classroom teacher or myself to gain further insights and guidance.

Speak soon,

Rhys