Behavioural problems in children: symptoms, causes, and treatment
Behavioural problems in children are so common nowadays. There are times when they do not behave properly. They can go through different phases and moods as they grow older and become more independent. Several reasons are responsible for behavioural problems in children, like anger, tiredness, overexcitation, or frustration. If behavioural problems in children are causing you or your child to suffer or bother the rest of the family, it is very important to take care of this issue. Understanding the underlying problem will surely help the child’s behavioural issues.
What are behavioural problems in children?
Both toddlers and adolescents go through a lot of changes in their growth phases. As a parent, no not worry about it. These behavioural changes will usually ease as they grow up. When a child starts schooling, the child slowly starts learning different things. These things are how to behave, how to process things, how to react, etc. If the behavioural problems in children continue for a long time and affect the child’s mental health, then asking for external help is a good option.
Causes of behavioural problems in children
There are many causes of behavioural problems in children, such as;
- Disability
- Hunger
- Brain damage
- Genetic factors
Other than these few external things related to the child’s home life and family relations may add to behaviour disorder. These could be,
- Divorced parents
- An unhealthy lifestyle
- Poor attitude towards education and school
Symptoms of behavioural problems in children
Sometimes, the child throws tantrums at you or shows destructive or aggressive behaviour- this is usually nothing to worry about. The symptoms to look out for are:
- Continuous anger issues
- Easily annoyed
- Misbehaving with others
- Blaming others
- Frustration
If your child is in these moods throughout the day, and this continues for a long time. Then you could take advice to the best child specialists near you.
Diagnosis of behavioural problems in children
If you have noticed that your child is facing some behavioural issues, you can discuss them with a child specialist. A medical professional can evaluate the child by performing functional behavioural assessments based on different strategies and techniques to identify and address any behavioural issue in the child.
Types of early behaviour and childhood disorders
Hardly, a child below the age of five can be diagnosed with a behavioural disorder. They may, though, show early warning signs of the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Oppositional deficit disorder (ODD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Conduct disorders
- Learning difficulties
Treatments for behavioural problems in children
Sometimes, behavioural problems in children can be manageable at home. As a parent, there are a few things that you can do to address these problems.
Do the right things.
Practice those habits which you want your child to follow. If you do something which you do not believe in probably will not work with your child. Children notice their parents when they do not mean what they are saying.
Say no to give up
As a parent, tell your child that if they have decided to do something, continue to do it until you achieve it.
Show consistency
Kids need consistency. If you react to your kid’s behaviour differently on different days, you create confusion for them. Everyone close to the child must treat the child in the same way.
Control anger
When your child is doing annoying things on repetition, your frustration and anger can build up. But try to stay relaxed, and make your child understand the issue and switch to other things where you can both enjoy or feel good about it.
Talk to your kid
Sometimes, kids have mixed thoughts, and they are afraid to talk to their parents. Consider talking to them about their day to day life and what is going around it, such as new school, friends, and their likes & dislikes. Try to ask them why they are annoyed or behaving a certain way, and work with them to overcome the problem.
Avoid hitting your kid
Hitting or giving punishment may stop your kid for that moment. This action will not have a positive effect on the child’s mind. Kids always learn from examples so, if you hit the child, you’re showing them that hitting is acceptable for every bad behaviour.
Teach your child how to stay positive about things
When a child’s behaviour is challenging, and they do not understand their mistakes. Discuss it with your child and correct your child. Try to make them understand both the positive and negative side of it.
Offer rewards to your kid
Rewarding for good behaviour can switch your child’s behaviour from doing something wrong. For example, offer them their favourite food or cartoon show for good behaviour. When your kid behaves well, tell them how you are feeling and praise them.
Things that can affect your child’s behavioural problems
Changes in daily life.
When something happens in a child’s life, they find it difficult to understand the situation. For example, changing schools, a new baby born in the family, relocating to a different city, or something similar to these things.
Your reaction to different behaviours before.
Children always remember how their parents are reacting to their behaviour in the past. If you make them a habit of taking bribes, they will expect the same every time for everything.
Your child needs your attention.
Sometimes kids show tantrums to get attention. The child may disturb you while you’re having a conversation with someone, or the child will start crying while playing or cuddle you and need your company. Try to address them whenever you think it is good to appreciate them.
You’re feeling upset.
Children do understand when their parents are not in a good mood. In this situation, try to talk to your child about the problem in an easy way. So they do not feel left alone. Try to cheer up in front of them.
Final thoughts
If your child is having behavioural problems, then do not sit back, just ask your doctor to help it out. In most cases, child counselling is the best way to resolve behavioural problems. For more information on behavioural problems in children, you can book an appointment with the best paediatric specialists at the CK Birla Hospital.