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Six-year-old Jimmy is having trouble in school. As a first grader, he
already has a reputation among the teachers as a "bad kid".
He spends most of his school day sitting in the corner or the principal's
office. With 30 other children in his class, the teacher has little
time for Jimmy. He isn't learning anything in the classroom, and he
has trouble making friends.
We all have memories of the "bad kid" in our class - the child
who was always in trouble and often alone. We tend to blame this kind
of behavior on a lack of discipline or a bad home. We say the child
was spoiled, abused, or "just trying to get attention". But
these labels are often misguided. Many of these children suffer from
serious emotional problems that are not the fault of their caregivers
or themselves.
Myths
about children's behavior make it easy to play the "blame game"
instead of trying to help children like Jimmy. Often, in making assumptions,
we "write off" some children. However, with understanding,
attention, and appropriate mental health services, many children can
succeed - they can have friends, join in activities, and grow up to
lead productive lives. To help children with emotional problems realize
their potential, we must first learn the facts about the "bad kid".
- Children
do not misbehave or fail in school just to get attention. Behavior
problems can be symptoms of a serious emotional, behavioral, or mental
health need, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children
can succeed in school with understanding, attention, and appropriate
services.
- Behavioral
problems in children can be due to a combination of factors. Research
shows that many factors contribute to children's emotional problems
including genetics, trauma, and stress. While these problems are sometimes
due to poor parenting or abuse, parents and families are more
often a child's greatest source of emotional support.
- Children's
emotional, behavioral, and mental challenges affect millions of American
families. An estimated 10% of all children have some type of mental
health need. Jimmy and the many others mislabeled as "bad
kids" need the support of their communities.
*
This is an edited excerpt from a publication of the Center for Mental
Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Families
Together in NYS is encouraging parents to share their experience, strength,
and hope with us so that other parents can know they aren't alone or
isolated in their own struggles. Please forward stories to bschewe@ftnys.org
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