My granddaughter who came to live with me 2 months ago, is having a hard time listening and following directions. She does ok in class but has been having problems in music and pe with talking back. I have taken her TV away for a week I did not let her go to fall festival and nothing works. i then met with the teacher to try and not be so hard and try steps with her like make it till lunch and do good and then reward her and go to the second part of the day. i do not know whether to let her go ton the field trip tomorrow due to her consistent bad behavior. The first two weeks she did great and then switched teachers. Who knows.
I agree with the final two words of the question. In some cases, the problem is too complex to be discovered so soon. You should be patient with your granddaughter (G.D.). Rather than being a disciplinarian, which is not always a bad thing, you should try and be close to her and show her your concern and understanding. That approach will more easily make her accept you and perhaps confide in you. Grounding her every time will make her more and more rebellious, and maybe provoke her to do something that you will regret forever.