How a Child's Health Can Affect Classroom Behaviors

A child̵7;s health and well being greatly influences his school performance. When children are feeling sick, malnourished or generally not well, it is harder for them to focus, learn and engage in academic activities. Just like adults, children need adequate rest, nutrition and nurturing to be able to function at an optimal level.

  1. Nutrition

    • Nutrition has a profound effect on a student̵7;s classroom behavior and, not surprisingly, plenty of research has proven that hungry, malnourished children have difficulty learning. According to a 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control, students who indulged in ̶0;unhealthy dietary behaviors̶1; such as drinking large quantities of soda, skipping meals or taking diet pills, had significantly lower grades than their healthy-eating counterparts. Malnourishment also leads to fatigue, more illnesses and, therefore, greater absenteeism among school children.

    Rest

    • A chronic lack of sleep can be detrimental to a child̵7;s behavior in school. According to kidshealth.org, school-age children need at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately, as children progress through school, sleep begins to diminish due to homework, after-school activities, computer access, TV-watching and video games. Still, overtired children can have trouble concentrating in school, and they become so irritable that they have difficulty managing their emotions. Instilling a consistent bedtime, and allowing enough time to unwind before bed, is essential to a child receiving adequate rest.

    Chronic Illness

    • Chronic illness, no matter how severe, can certainly affect a child̵7;s classroom behavior. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy can hinder a child̵7;s ability to focus and concentrate as well as his school attendance. These types of illnesses can also hinder a child̵7;s stamina and involvement in sports or other physical activities. The good news: according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children who have chronic illnesses tend to do well in school, provided that their conditions are stabilized and properly managed.

    Neglect and Abuse

    • Sadly, chronic neglect or abuse at home can have a detrimental effect on a child̵7;s classroom behavior. According to Education.com, children who are neglected or abused often struggle academically, act out in class, appear to be disinterested in school work and have lower self esteem. They tend to miss school more often and have low motivation. Malnourishment and chronic hunger can lead to cognitive or developmental delays, and physical abuse can cause brain or bodily injuries that require special-education services.

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