Behavior Begins at Home
By: Elali Kasonso
As a USJ student and a part-time employee in an elementary-level after-school program, I have observed misbehavior among young children in school settings. This includes cases involving children from five to 12. In conversations with my friends and coworkers, many have expressed hesitation about pursuing careers in teaching due to concerns regarding how children behave in classrooms. These experiences raise questions about where such early misbehavior originates and what factors influence children’s behavior.
Last fall, I took a psychology class in which I learned how parenting styles impact young children. In addition to this, I was exposed to the environments in which they are raised, which include any one around them whom they observe.
As students prepare for future professional and social responsibilities, understanding how environments shape behavior is essential. Everyone plays a role in influencing behavior and as students, we have a responsibility to model acceptable conduct. The growing reluctance among university students to pursue teaching careers due to concerns regarding children’s behavior should encourage reflection on personal actions and the impact they have on others.
In an academic setting, psychology students learn about Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, which explains how children learn behavior by observing and imitating people in their environment. This includes parents, teachers, and peers, demonstrating that the environment plays a significant role in shaping behavior. Additionally, different kinds of parenting styles contribute to this idea. According to Nevid (2022) in “Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Applications,” these styles influence how children develop behavior patterns.
One style that stands out is permissive parenting. This style is often described as nurturing and accepting but typically does not enforce many limits. It allows children to make most of their own decisions with limited regulation and boundaries. Although the intention is not to harm the child, this approach can negatively impact behavior at home and in social settings, such as the classroom. The effects of this parenting style are also observable in after-school settings through interactions with both parents and children.
Young children spend most of their time between school and home. Schools are environments where misbehavior is typically addressed and redirected, not encouraged. At home, however, discipline can be more complex. While no parent wants their child to misbehave, some may tolerate certain behaviors. This may include limited supervision or concern that correcting a child will make a parent seem strict or unloving. As a result, children may believe they can get away with poor behavior.
It is important to clarify that a child’s misbehavior does not automatically indicate poor parenting. However, it does invite reflection on how parents guide, supervise, and respond to their children’s actions. Some may view discipline as a lack of love or believe that redirecting behavior limits a child’s freedom. On the contrary, appropriate discipline helps children understand boundaries and expectations.
The foundation set at a young age often determines how children behave when they are no longer under direct supervision. By providing guidance and clear expectations, parents help prepare their children to display acceptable behavior both at home and in the wider community.
These observations show that concerns about children’s behavior can influence students’ willingness to pursue teaching careers. Understanding the factors that shape behavior, such as parenting styles and environmental influences, can help future educators feel more prepared and confident. By learning how to manage and positively guide behavior, teachers can reduce the fear or hesitation associated with classroom misbehavior, making the profession more appealing. Ultimately, reflecting on both children’s environments and individual roles in modeling behavior can empower students to embrace teaching as a rewarding and impactful career.