Ask the Child Psychologist

Talking in Class

Dear Dr. Medoff,

I have a grandson, age 14, who talks incessantly in class. All his teachers complain about it in his reports. Do you have any suggestions about what I can do? From, Zora

There are many different reasons why your grandson would be talking so much in class, and finding out the reason can help lead you to the solution. It may simply be a developmental issue. Around the ages of 12-14 (boys tend to on the later end of that continuum), adolescents experience growth in their brains that lead them to develop new thinking abilities. These newfound abilities enable them to question accepted social practices and challenge the adults in their lives. Your grandson may be rehearsing these new skills; he may simply need to be reminded that he must to be respectful in class, and be given a few tips to be able to do so.

Another reason why kids talk too much in class is because they are bored. Students are most often bored when the class is either too easy or too hard. Talk to your grandson, the teachers and the school counselor to find out whether your grandson is placed in the right class level. If the class is too difficult, find out what you can do to get your grandson the assistance that he needs.

Kids who talk too much in class may also be looking for attention and recognition. Make sure that your grandson gets lots of positive attention at home, and find ways that he can get it at school, such as encouraging him to join a sports team or club.