For example, the parent may have already developed a strategy to stop the behavior at home, but the teacher is unaware of this strategy. It is important that the parent and teacher discuss the child s behavioral problems since one of them may have already discovered a solution to handle the behavior. If the child s behavior is worse at school but not at home, there are many possible reasons, such as a lack of consistency. There are, however, several physical causes that should be considered. Two possible causes, which are seldom considered, are cleaning solvents and florescent classroom lighting.
Janitors often use powerful chemicals to clean the classroom.
Although the smell may be gone by the next day, the chemical residue may still be in the air and on surfaces. Breathing these chemicals may affect sensitive people. During the day students often place their hands and face on the tables and floors, and these chemicals can eventually wind up in the child s mouth and alter brain functioning and behavior. Many parents and teachers wipe the students desks with water or a natural cleaning solution prior to class each morning, and they have reported rather remarkable improvements in the students behaviors. Florescent lighting, which is the most common lighting used in classrooms, may also affect behavior.