# Teachers Report Rising Behavior Problems in Young Children
Kindergarten classrooms across the country are seeing more disruptive behavior than before, according to reports from educators on the front lines. Teachers describe children biting, kicking, and wandering away from lessons, even among the youngest students. The trend reflects challenges that emerged after pandemic disruptions upended normal classroom routines and social development.
Cristina Lignore, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, found real relief when the Child Mind Institute sent a behavior coach to her classroom. The coach worked directly with Lignore to manage the behaviors she was seeing daily. This type of support matters because teachers often feel isolated when managing misbehavior without specialized training or backup.
The behavior challenges teachers report aren't random. Young children who missed preschool, had inconsistent in-person schooling, or experienced family stress during lockdowns missed critical social and emotional development windows. Some children never learned to regulate their emotions or follow classroom routines before arriving at kindergarten.
Behavior coaches from organizations like the Child Mind Institute work alongside teachers using evidence-based strategies. They help educators understand what's driving the behavior, teach classroom management techniques, and create plans that work for individual children. When teachers get this support, they feel more confident and classroom learning improves for everyone.
For parents, this trend underscores the value of preparing children for kindergarten in ways that go beyond academics. Playing cooperatively with peers, following multi-step directions, and managing frustration without aggression all matter deeply. If your child shows persistent behavior concerns at school, asking whether your school has access to a behavior coach or school psychologist can help.
The good news: behavior is learnable. With consistent, skilled support from both teachers and parents, most children develop better impulse control and classroom skills as the year progresses. The key is catching it early and getting help rather than waiting.