How might conflicts between home child rearing practices and school routines be contributing to the puzzlement?
Child rearing practices may affect many aspects of student’s behavior in school. Miko’s dependence on a teacher for completing class work was traced to the family practice of caring for the child, including carrying bookbags or the child himself to school. These customs provided Miko with mixed messages about school requirements. By addressing the apparent over-dependence as a culturally based phenomenon, a very different intervention was developed than might have been if Miko’s school behaviors had been framed as emotional insecurity or anxiety. In this case, the Assistant Principal met with the mother and student and asked that Miko carry his materials and walk under his own power on school property. What conflicts between the student’s beliefs and those of the school might be contributing to the puzzling situation? Home values and religious beliefs may contradict norms of the school culture. Matthew’s teacher found him to be disrespectful and rude and reported that he had ongoing di
