AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I am a parent of two, but also I'm a social worker with over 15 year experience working with children and families. I can provide many tips and techniques to help with child behavior, interventions for specific behavioral issues, ideas to help children through difficult times such as divorce or grief, hints on keeping the family running smoothly, and tips for developing confident, happy children.
Experience I have a master's in social work and over 15 years experience working with children and families. I have worked in schools, public health, mental health and adoption agencies providing parent education courses and children's groups.
Question Emilie is very successful in school when it comes to academics. But her other behaviors are different from the other children. She cries loudly to get what she wants,usually resulting in the other kids not wanting to play w/ her. She is quick to lie her way out of trouble (tries to lie) and everything is all about winning. Walking to the front door from the car, a race. If side by side on a walk, she has to be 2 feet in front to win.(when not racing)Her teacher called home to report her pushing thru a group of students so she can be in front. She caused 2 classmates to fall to the ground. But to her this doesn't matter because she was in the front. (until she was sent to the office.) HELP ME! I am running out of solutions! Emilie has an 18 year old brother and an 8 month old brother. She has been this way since birth. So having the baby didn't bring these behaviors on. She loves both of her brothers. Any idea's, insights, etc!?
Answer Hi Carrie,
Based on what you have told me, I think you need to arrange for some sort of intervention for Emilie. I'm assuming she is experiences consequences for her behavior at school and at home. Further, since she has always been like this and intervention haven't worked, its probable that she needs something more assertive in terms of assistance. She may just be immature but I suspect that she has very low self-esteem. You should also check on her level of empathy. Does she ever feel bad about how her behavior impacts others? This in fact would be a bigger concern to me. Both of these issues will be extremely important to resolve in a positive manner. And again, because it hasn't improved with any intervention, I'd recommend counseling.
Some places you can check are;
1) Does her school offer some sort of small group sessions designed to build self esteem. These are usually run by the guidance counselor or school psychologist. These may not offer the level of intervention that Emilie needs, but you would be able to get feedback that will help you understand her and develop strategies at home.
2) Contact your local county/city mental health offices. They often run individual, group and family counseling.
3) Find a private LCSW, psychologist or other counselor.
The local mental health and private sources will be able to assess Emilie more deeply and offer her and you help.
