Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties may become apparent in the following ways:

• Age inappropriate behaviour or that which seems otherwise socially inappropriate or strange.
• Behaviour which interferes with the learning of the pupil or their peers (e.g. persistent calling out in class, refusal to work, persistent annoyance of peers).
• Signs of emotional turbulence (e.g. unusual tearfulness, withdrawal from social situations).
• Difficulties in forming and maintaining positive relationships (e.g. isolation from peers, aggressiveness to peers and adults).

Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) can be due to an environmental factor or medical need. Children are learning everyday and some children may make mistakes with their behaviour, emotions and social behaviours. School is an ideal place to learn how to behave, how to react, how to recognise feelings and communicate with others.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILD WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES WITH BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL SKILLS?

• Model good behaviour yourself.
• Manage your own emotional responses so they can see how its done.
• Use positive communication.
• Have routines which you stick to.
• Explain what is coming next so things aren't a shock.
• Have clear expectations. Explain them to your child.
• Have rewards and consequences. Make sure you stick to them!
• Have time to think/ talk/ be quiet.
• Escape a blame culture- think about what happened and what could, or should, be done next time.
• Have strategies for emotional outbursts.