How to Deal With a School Suspension

Your child just got suspended from school, and your entire family is reeling. You're wondering how to discipline your child and how to prevent this from happening again. Unfortunately, a school suspension is an issue that more and more families have to deal with.

Instructions

1. Understand it's a lesson for your child. A school suspension, even if you don't agree with it, is a consequence of their behavior. Children need to learn that life is full of consequences for poor behavior.

2. Work with the school. Plan a sit-down meeting with the principle and your child's teacher. As a group, figure out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. Chances are the school has programs in place to help your child.

3. Watch your attitude in front of your child. This suspension is not about you, it's about your child. Don't drag your feelings of guilt into the process. Let your child know you're disappointed in them, but don't tell them they ruined your life.

4. Ask for obedience from your child concerning the school rules, even if you disagree with them. Life's full of rules many people think are unfair. Complaining that a rule is unfair doesn't get it changed; it just teaches children not to obey the rules.

5. Visit with your child's care provider. Perhaps a medical condition is causing a change in your child's behavior or your child has been through a stressful situation and needs additional help.

6. Talk to your child. Listen to him as he processes his emotions. Try to figure out what led up to the suspension and help him come up with other solutions. Inform him of how much another suspension or an expulsion will change his life.

7. Change your child's home life. Set strict boundaries and enforce rules. Let your children know you expect certain behavior from them and there are consequences if you don't get it.