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What it Means to be "Bad"

4/18/2014

4 Comments

 
A few weeks ago, I was listening to a This American Life episode called "Bad Baby," which discussed some cases of extreme behaviors in children, the prognosis for overcoming those behaviors, and why the "badness" started in the first place.

I only have my 5 years of school counseling experience to draw on, but I've seen many students exhibit intense behaviors (i.e. biting, hitting, running, swearing, threatening, etc.). I have some interventions in my back pocket and some that I make up on the fly out of necessity, but it can be difficult to discern what those students truly need. We observe, experiment with behavior plans, track and analyze data, attempt to determine the function of certain behaviors...but sometimes, our efforts just don't work. It can be frustrating for a school building to work so hard for seemingly no results. Parents feel helpless because they are often dealing with the same behaviors (perhaps even more intense versions of them) at home. Other students may be scared. So...how can we help a student in crisis? I wish the answer was as simple as finding the last remaining puzzle piece and putting it into place.

Unfortunately, I offer no answers in this post, just questions. I encourage you to listen to this episode - SERIOUSLY, you won't regret it.

Post your thoughts about extreme student behaviors in the comment section. Have great tips? Please post those too! :)
4 Comments
Chip Stanczak
4/23/2014 01:57:31 am

I believe I actually went to school with you at O.U. Great to see you are an elementary school counselor, too! And what a terrific website!

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Marissa Rex link
5/6/2014 12:03:24 am

Yes, we did go to school together! Thank you so much for the positive feedback! I hope all is well for you :)

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Tracy Measham
4/25/2014 03:01:01 am

Such an interesting episode of This American Life. I felt so bad for Sheryl...it must be so incredibly isolating to have no one in your immediate circle understand...and all the advice and judgements of your parenting. I was so taken with her story, I went to her blogsite and read many of her entries. As a school counselor, it reminded me to always be aware that there are families out there struggling with really difficult children...children with impossibly challenging psychiatric issues that don't have simple answers. I may be their only advocate in a school system that is ill equipped to deal with their needs. My heart goes out to Sheryl and other parents like her.

Reply
Marissa Rex link
5/6/2014 12:02:13 am

I completely agree! It was hard to listen to her story, knowing how scared and overwhelmed she must be every minute of every day. I hope things work out for her family and for others going through a similar experience.

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    My name is Marissa Rex and I am a 1st Grade teacher and an elementary school counselor from Ohio. I hope you enjoy my site!

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