BAD BEHAVIOUR AND BRINGING UP CHILDREN

Questions

1. What are common reasons for children’s bad behaviour?

2. Do you think parents or teachers are more responsible for children’s behaviour?

3. How should parents deal with children when they behave badly?

4. Do you think punishment is necessary in raising children?

5. How has parenting changed compared to the past?

6. Should children be given complete freedom or be strictly controlled?

7. What role does school play in teaching good behaviour?

8. Do you think children learn more from what parents say or from what parents do?

Q1: What are common reasons for children’s bad behaviour?

Band 7:
Children misbehave for many reasons. Sometimes they do it to get attention from parents or teachers. In other cases, they copy what they see on television or from their friends. Stress at home can also make children behave badly. For example, arguments between parents can affect a child’s mood. Another reason is lack of discipline, when parents do not set clear rules. Overall, bad behaviour usually comes from a mix of family, environment, and personal factors.

Band 8:
There are several common causes of children’s bad behaviour, many of which are connected to their environment. Often, children misbehave when they want attention or feel neglected. Peer influence is another factor, as children tend to copy their friends’ actions even if they are negative. Exposure to inappropriate media content can also encourage aggressive or disrespectful behaviour. Family issues such as lack of discipline, inconsistent parenting, or constant conflicts at home contribute significantly. Moreover, some children act out due to stress from school or emotional struggles they cannot express properly. In most cases, bad behaviour is not simply a matter of being “naughty,” but rather a response to deeper needs or challenges.

Q2: Do you think parents or teachers are more responsible for children’s behaviour?

Band 7:
I think parents are more responsible because they spend the most time with their children. They teach values and manners from an early age. However, teachers also play an important role, especially during school hours. Teachers guide children in social situations and encourage discipline. In my opinion, parents have the bigger responsibility, but both parents and teachers need to work together to shape good behaviour.

Band 8:
Both parents and teachers play essential roles, but I believe parents carry more responsibility. Children’s first lessons in behaviour come from the family, where values, respect, and discipline are established. If parents fail to provide guidance, teachers may find it harder to correct behavioural problems later. That said, teachers also have a strong influence, since children spend many hours at school and learn how to interact with peers. Ideally, there should be cooperation between the two. Parents provide the foundation, and teachers reinforce it in an educational environment. When both sides work together consistently, children are more likely to develop positive behaviour.

Q3: How should parents deal with children when they behave badly?

Band 7:
Parents should stay calm and not shout immediately. They need to explain why the behaviour is wrong. Setting clear rules helps children understand limits. Some parents use time-outs or take away privileges as discipline. It is also important to praise good behaviour, not just punish bad behaviour. Children respond better when they feel understood. So, parents should correct mistakes but also show love and patience.

Band 8:
When children behave badly, parents should respond with a balance of discipline and understanding. First, they should remain calm and avoid reacting with anger, because shouting often makes the situation worse. Explaining clearly why the behaviour is unacceptable helps children learn from their mistakes. Consistent rules and fair consequences, such as losing privileges, are effective ways to teach responsibility. At the same time, positive reinforcement is equally important, since children are more likely to repeat good behaviour when it is recognized. Parents should also try to understand the root cause of misbehaviour, such as stress or attention-seeking. This way, discipline becomes a tool for teaching rather than simply punishing.

Q4: Do you think punishment is necessary in raising children?

Band 7:
I think some form of punishment is necessary, but it should not be too harsh. Children need to understand the difference between right and wrong. Simple punishments, like no TV time, can teach responsibility. However, physical punishment is not a good idea because it may hurt the child and cause fear. Discipline should focus more on guidance and teaching rather than just punishment.

Band 8:
Punishment can play a role in raising children, but it should be constructive rather than harmful. Children need boundaries, and mild consequences for bad behaviour help them understand accountability. For example, losing screen time or being asked to do extra chores can teach responsibility. However, physical punishment or verbal abuse is damaging, as it creates fear and damages trust between parent and child. The most effective method is a combination of discipline and positive reinforcement. When children see that good behaviour is rewarded and bad behaviour has fair consequences, they learn self-control without feeling mistreated.

Q5: How has parenting changed compared to the past?

Band 7:
Parenting today is different from the past. In the past, parents were often stricter and used physical punishment. Children were expected to follow rules without question. Nowadays, many parents are more relaxed and focus on communication. They encourage children to share opinions and feelings. Modern parents also pay more attention to education and mental health. Technology has also changed parenting, as children spend more time on devices.

Band 8:
Parenting has changed greatly over the years, reflecting social and cultural shifts. In the past, discipline was often strict, and obedience was expected without much discussion. Physical punishment was more common and widely accepted. Today, however, many parents adopt a more democratic style, encouraging open communication and emotional support. They focus on building confidence and independence rather than strict control. Another big change is the influence of technology: parents now face challenges like screen addiction and online safety, which previous generations never dealt with. In general, modern parenting emphasizes understanding and guidance, while traditional parenting focused more on authority and discipline.

Q6: Should children be given complete freedom or be strictly controlled?

Band 7:
I think neither complete freedom nor strict control is good. If children have too much freedom, they might make mistakes and not learn discipline. But if they are too controlled, they may feel unhappy and rebellious. Parents should give children some freedom but with clear rules. For example, children can choose hobbies, but parents should set limits on screen time. Balance is the best approach.

Band 8:
Children need a balance between freedom and control. Complete freedom can be dangerous, as young people are not always mature enough to make the best decisions. On the other hand, strict control can limit creativity and independence, leading to frustration or even rebellion. The ideal approach is guided freedom, where children are allowed to explore their interests but within reasonable boundaries. For instance, parents can let children choose their activities, but still supervise their safety and time management. This way, children learn responsibility and independence while still feeling supported and protected.

Q7: What role does school play in teaching good behaviour?

Band 7:
Schools play an important role in teaching good behaviour. Children learn discipline by following rules like being on time and wearing uniforms. Teachers also encourage respect, teamwork, and honesty in the classroom. Through group activities, students practice cooperation. Although parents teach values first, schools help reinforce them in a social environment.

Band 8:
Schools are essential in shaping children’s behaviour because they act as a second home. They provide structured environments where rules and discipline are applied daily. For example, students learn punctuality, responsibility, and respect for authority through school regulations. Schools also teach social values, such as cooperation, fairness, and tolerance, by encouraging group projects and extracurricular activities. Beyond academics, schools play a major role in character development. While parents lay the foundation, schools give children the opportunity to practice good behaviour in real social settings.

Q8: Do you think children learn more from what parents say or from what parents do?

Band 7:
I think children learn more from what parents do. Actions are stronger than words. If parents tell children to be polite but act rudely themselves, children will copy the behaviour, not the advice. Children watch their parents closely and imitate their habits. Of course, words are also important, but behaviour has a stronger influence.

Band 8:
Children are far more influenced by their parents’ actions than their words. Young people learn by observing and imitating, so if parents demonstrate respect, honesty, and responsibility, children are more likely to adopt these qualities. On the other hand, if parents say one thing but behave differently, children usually follow the behaviour, not the advice. This shows that role modelling is more powerful than lectures. While verbal guidance provides explanation, consistent actions give real examples for children to follow. Therefore, parents must practice what they preach, because children absorb lessons mainly through observation.