Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

My grandchild peels paper off crayons

My grandchild peels paper off crayons, her teacher states that this is a behavioral problem.  Is it Behavioral or Boredom?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
707563 tn?1626361905
How old is she?

Does she do it at home? Does she peel or rip other things?

It's probably a behavioral thing because it's not her property (assuming the teacher or school is providing the crayons) and she's been asked to stop, and hasn't. That's a bit problematic, but I don't think she needs to be put in therapy or anything.

Has anyone asked her? Maybe she doesn't like the feel of the paper, or she prefers the feel of the smooth crayon better, or the way it looks better.

If the crayons belong to the teacher, and the teacher doesn't want her to rip the paper off, then she is going to have to learn about respecting other people's things. Can you get her a small box of crayons at home and watch to see what she does? If she starts to pull the paper off, and you stop her, how does she react?

If it's a sensory issue about how it feels, and the paper feels terrible to her, she just may not use them, or she might get upset. There are lots of ways this can go.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
My grandchild is 6 years old and in the 1st grade.  She has peeled labels off the water bottles and stuck them on something else like the sliding door.  She has hit a boy for not listening to her 1 day then a few days later she had hit a girl for not listening to her.  Today she didn't want to take a spelling test so she ripped up the paper from the teacher.  when the class went outside she walked out slow and took tiny steps so that held up the class.
973741 tn?1342342773
Hi.  More information would be helpful.  What grade is he in? Tearing paper can be a form of fidgeting. That's something that some kids do to stay focused or self soothe.  Is there any other feedback about your grandson? I assume that they have asked him not to do it since they are terming it a behavioral issue.  When you talk to your grandson about it, what does he say? My son has always torn paper into tiny little pieces. He has a neurological developmental issue. Kids with sensory processing, adhd, autism, etc. all might have this impulse.  But they'd likely have other things as well that you'd notice. So, more information would be helpful. His age would be good to know, what kind of school and what your son says to stop the activity. Could you send in a fidget to see if that would help change to something that they'd be more okay with?
Helpful - 0
5 Comments
My grandchild is 6 years old and in the 1st grade.  She has peeled labels off the water bottles and stuck them on something else like the sliding door.  She has hit a boy for not listening to her 1 day then a few days later she had hit a girl for not listening to her.  Today she didn't want to take a spelling test so she ripped up the paper from the teacher.  when the class went outside she walked out slow and took tiny steps so that held up the class.
Okay, I see.  A bit going on here.  While a teacher may term it a 'behavioral' problem, there is usually an underlying reason.  What is she like at home?
she's good.  
Does she live with you?  I'm asking because I'm trying to understand the situation.  Are you open to anything more going on with her?  
Either something is bugging her that is happening in her home life that she isn't talking about or she is acting out something.  If she's hitting people that's obviously not good, and if she's defying an authority figure like a teacher at that age that's also not good.  It sounds like someone needs to consult a professional here.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Child Behavior Community

Top Children's Health Answerers
189897 tn?1441126518
San Pedro, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments