Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Child's mom got married, now the child throws temper tantrums multiple times a day Three weeks ago, one of my student's mother got remarried. As I later learned, up until she got married the child slept in her room since he was a baby (he is almost 5 now). Since she got remarried, he is defiant and refuses to do what anybody asks him if he is upset. He will scream and throw temper tantrums to get attention. I have put him on a behavior chart to let his mom know each day when the issues happen and what the issue is. Mom does not seem to have any suggestions and does not return my phone calls or emails. He has been sent to the office multiple times in the last 3 weeks, but none of the punishments or incentives seem to motivate him anymore. Does anybody have any suggestions? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I would let the guidance counselor know what is happening with the student. It is possible the child may be feeling left out or lonely, especially if they don't have any siblings. He may not feel like his mother's top priority anymore since there is a new man permanently in the family. Constant punishment may not be a good fit for this child. Try positive reinforcement.