GCU Identifying Unusual Behaviors in Children Questions

A group of first graders is singing together, and the teacher asks if there are any special requests. Geoff wants to teach the group a song and begins to sing “Frosty the Snowman”, but he forgets the lyrics. When the other children grow restless, some laughing, he becomes increasingly frustrated. He scowls, turns bright red, and then screams loudly, “Just shut up, all of you! I can’t think!” Then he stomps away from the group and yells over his shoulder, “Assholes!”

1. What bothers you about this behavior?
2. Does it seem like typical behavior or something unusual?
3. What are your hypotheses about possible reasons underlying the behavior?
4. What might you do or say in this situation?

A professional couple brings their son to preschool to meet his teacher. The boy is almost 4 years old and is not yet toilet trained. Whe they discuss this issue, the parents say they do not want to toilet train him until he is ready. While they are talking, their son goes over to the corner, squats down, and has a bowel movement in his diaper. He then sticks his finger inside his diaper to show the parents that his diaper needs to be changed. Later, when the boy begins at the preschool, children begin to ridicule him for still wearing diapers.

1. What bothers you about this behavior?
2. Does it seem like typical behavior or something unusual?
3. What are your hypotheses about possible reasons underlying the behavior?
4. What might you do or say in this situation?