Kindergartener Is an Alien!!!!

my little boy just started kindergarten as well, but he went to junior k last year so pretty much knew what to expect. i find that just talking alot about school, about being good and not focusing on him being bad helps. he comes home everyday telling me how many stickers he got, etc. also i've noticed he's had a few accidents at night in the last couple weeks, i think it's just the change and probably being tired too. i told my son if he was good all 5 days this week,(getting up in the morning, at school, and at bedtime) he could pick out a toy on friday at walmart. this morning, he was really excited about going and "using his manners" so that he might get more stickers on his chart at school and pick out a toy. try focusing on the good and not the bad so much, and also rewarding for good behavior. good luck.

Try a reward system. He can get a treat (very small one like ice cream, $1 toys, trip to the park, extra dessert, etc.) each day he comes home with a good conduct report. If that's too hard for him, work on one behavior at a time. A treat for keeping his hands to himself for the day, or for not having an "accident."

As for the accidents, you can try having him be responsible for it - don't punish him but have him clean out his pants when he gets home. I had the same problem with my son last year (still do, actually happened yesterday, in first grade). If it did not go through his pants for others to see, you might want to consider not bringing him a change of clothes. Having to be uncomfortable for the rest of the day and not getting your attention for negative behavior may put an end to it. (Of course, make sure all medical reasons for the accidents have been ruled out).

Hope this helps!

Also, 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan is a great book for behavior management.

M.

B., my name is N.. when i was that age i did the exact same thing. i think it is the personal attention he's been getting from you he's wanting in kindergarten also. i feel as if that if he "acts out" then you will come take care of it like you always have. i think it's his way of saying he doesn't want to be away from you. call it seperation anxiety i guess. what helped me get through it was for my mother to explain to me that she can't always be there to clean up my messes for me. i was a big girl now in a big girl school and it was time for me to act like it. if you feel comfortable with it, you could also let him have "big boy" responsibilities in the evening to help you around the house. if he continues to have this problem, the only thing i would know to do would be to talk to his doctor. i hope this helps. i also wish you the best of luck and hang in there. it took my mom alittle bit to deal with this also. good luck.

First of all this is an adjustment period. New environment, new rules. I would not worry, but do work with the teacher about some positive strategies in order to reverse the negative behavior. Remember children are smart and will try you. Rewards for good behavior always work. Try not to make a big deal of wetting his clothes. Encourage him to let his teacher know if he needs to use the restroom. Good Luck!!
Former kindergarten teacher ____@____.com