Category: Q&As

How to Handle Troublesome Children?

Published : Sep 21, 2025
By Dr. Ana Aznar

“Do you have suggestions for a good behavior intervention plan for troublesome children in my class? I’m a teacher of grade 5 girls at a girls’ private summer school, and two were ganging up on the rest of the students the past few months. I know it’s nearly the actual school year but I wanted to get ahead on behavior management strategies if this continues.”

Happy elementary school teacher giving high-five to her student during class in the classroom.

If I am not mistaken, grade 5 children are 10-11 years old. This means that they are starting adolescence. They are starting to push away from their parents and their peer group is becoming more and more important. At this stage, peer groups are constantly evolving, and tensions and problems are likely to appear. Children go through hormonal changes at different times, their brains are not fully matured, and they have to manage academic pressure while juggling family and peer dynamics. 

What you are describing is relational aggression. This type of aggression is more common amongst girls. Girls who engage in relational aggression harm others damaging their relationships and social standing. They want to gain power and social standing at the expense of their targets. Relational bullying often involves spreading false rumours, making fun of the other person for their personality or appearance, posting negative information online, giving them silent treatment…Your school should have an anti-bullying policy as well as anti-bullying programs. It would be a good idea to implement this program in your classroom. These programs usually involve life-skill and social-emotional learning modules that help young people manage and understand emotions and maintain positive and empathetic relationships. 

I would encourage you instead of thinking about ‘troublesome children’ to think about children who, at times, behave poorly.  

I hope this information helps. 

Love, 

Ana 

Dr Ana Aznar 

Related articles: 

Everything You Need to Know about Bullying

How Can I Support my Daughter Through Challenging Teen Years?

Executive Function Skills: Discover Everything You Need to Know

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Comments
Cristo
2025-07-29 12:20:59
Amazing, thank you so much for this blog.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-04-25 07:23:36
Hola Ana,
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Dr. Ana Aznar
2025-03-31 19:41:20
Qué ilusión tu mensaje, Pia! Gracias a tí por leernos.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-03-28 10:13:56
Querida Ana,
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
Armani
2025-03-06 09:31:35
This is ethically wrong and I don't think it's worth the damage it will ultimately cause to the relationship. And the issues it will cause for the one being spied on. Just don't do it.
Meghan
2025-02-07 21:26:19
Is there a printable version of the article? I am a school based mental health professional and would like to share it with parents.
J
2025-02-03 10:52:04
This is such a great writeup. I think too often we get caught in a rutt of trying to categorise everything. Our daily lives are kind of dictated by categories and labels, certainly in a digital world.

I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.

Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.

Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.

Again, great writeup!
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-13 12:51:46
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Ana
Robert Eisenbart
2024-09-10 00:43:07
Great Article! I'm a retired FNP. Years ago I taught a STEP program to parents via family court cases. I now have a daughter and her man disciplining three children 4, 8, and 10. The 10 year old has ADHD and my personal diagnosis is she's also Oppositional/Defiant. I believe the OD came from harsh discipline. All they seem to do is punish and threaten physical punishment. They say positive reinforcement didn't work however they tried it for about 2 months and then went back to punishment. I can't reason with them as "they are the parents"!! is all I hear. They all live with me and have since the oldest was about 2. Sadly I can see the other 2 developing issues like anxiety and aggression as well. Trying to show them another side of adult supervision when I have them but frustrating.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-02 20:48:07
Really glad you found it useful! Thank you for being here and for your comment.

Ana
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-05-17 09:55:58
Hi Donna,
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Donna
2024-05-17 09:49:36
Love Zara’s ways of teaching for both parents & kids! Also so helpful. We want more!! (Please!) :D
Ana Aznar
2024-05-08 07:24:31
We are glad you found the content useful! Many thanks for being here.
Ana
Cristoj
2024-04-09 18:20:19
Great article!!!
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