Children's Health Children's Health Basics

The "Class Clown" - Peeling Back the Mask and Costume

Every class has a clown.

While it is true that some kids really are future Jay Lenos--it is also important to understand what is sometimes behind the mask and costume of the class clown.

Teachers, parents, counselors and friends need to be aware that the class clown may not necessarily be auditioning for his next performance but in reality, is crying for help.

Humor is sometimes a defense.
One way children defend against painful issues is through humor. When taken to an extreme, clowning around is a way of compensating for some very difficult feelings. Children who constantly need to be the center of attention are often struggling with a shaky sense of self that is stroked when others are laughing at their jokes.

The class clown often takes things to extremes in order to gain attention so that he does not have to face his own feelings. If a child is consistently and constantly jumping on the table, performing tricks, disrupting teachers and staff, and egging on the other students, then that could be a sign that they may need some psychiatric intervention.

Where and how do these feelings arise?
This incessant need for attention may be coming from a disruption at home. Before coming down too hard on the child, parents and teachers need to explore potential feelings of inadequacy or self-blame that may be the result of a recent divorce, a death in the family, or another significant event in that child's life. Many of these kids feel isolated and alone and lack social skills that would enable them to create lasting friendships and support.

Class clowns often use humor to compensate for learning difficulties. Some of these children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities or may be experiencing depression that is serious enough to warrant medical attention. These children often feel that they cannot develop the skills and friendships that other students have, and use humor as compensation for their self-perceived shortcomings.

There is always an underlying motive.
Children do not behave randomly. There are always feelings and issues that motivate their behavior. The next time your child or another child is seen standing on his head, throwing papers, writing jokes on the chalkboard or acting out in class, it is important to try to understand the reasons for such behavior. This understanding, and an appropriate action, will greatly benefit not only the child, but also other students, the teacher in the classroom and the child's family at home.

It is important to remember that clowning is the art of illusion. Some who are class clowns are trying to peel back this illusory mask to find their own stability and joy.