Expert: Mona R. Spiegel, Ph.D. - 12/13/2006

Question
My husband has been deployed to Iraq.  My son is at times refuses to do his
work in school.  His teacher says that he doesn't sit down and shouts out
answers.  Is he showing signs of ADD or showing that he is stressed about his
dad being gone?  He sits and acts perfectly fine at home and in other places. Just
not in his main class.  Acts fine in art, computer, gym and music class.

Answer
Dear Angela,

We can be sure that your son misses his father and worries about him.  

At the same time, he needs to behave in his class, otherwise he might get into trouble.

Try suggesting to the teacher to have a positive behavior chart, in which he gets rewarded for sitting quietly and waiting for his turn to speak.  Don't require this for the whole day but, in the beginning, for short periods of time.

If a chart doesn't help, seek further guidance.

All the best,
Dr. Mona Spiegel
"My Family Coach"
www.myfamilycoach.com