All young children can be naughty, defiant, and impulsive from time to time, which is perfectly normal. However, some children have extremely difficult and challenging behaviours that are outside the norm for their age.
Behavioural problems in children can manifest in various forms such as defiance, hyperactivity, aggression, tantrums, difficulty concentrating or following instructions, anxiety, social withdrawal, etc. These issues can be a source of stress and frustration for both the child and their caregivers.
The most common disruptive behaviour disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These three behavioural disorders share some common symptoms, so diagnosis can be difficult and time-consuming. A child or adolescent may have two disorders at the same time. Other exacerbating factors can include emotional problems, mood disorders, family difficulties, and substance abuse.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Around one in 10 children under the age of 12 years are thought to have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), with boys outnumbering girls by two to one. Some of the typical behaviours of a child with ODD include:
- easily angered, annoyed, or irritated
- frequent temper tantrums
- argues frequently with adults, particularly the most familiar adults in their lives, such as parents
- refuses to obey rules
- seems to deliberately try to annoy or aggravate others
- low self-esteem
- low frustration threshold
- seeks to blame others for any misfortunes or misdeeds
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Conduct disorder is a term that encompasses persistent and emotional behaviours exhibited by children and adolescents. Young people with CD often have trouble respecting others’ rights, being empathetic, and following the rules of society. Kids with CD may be described as delinquent or “bad.”
They may also show aggression toward people or animals in the following ways:
- Getting into physical fights
- Bullying others
- Stealing from others
- Deliberately harming peers
- Using weapons like a stick or bat against others
- Showing few signs of remorse for their actions
- Destroying property
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder causes children to exhibit impulsive behaviours or to be more active than usual. Kids with ADHD often have trouble staying focused on a task, leading to issues at school. Many young people with ADHD continue showing the same symptoms when they become adults. Signs that a child may have ADHD include:
- Constantly daydreaming
- Showing signs of forgetfulness or often losing things
- Constantly talking
- Finding it difficult to get along with others
- Having trouble sitting still (fidgeting)
- Taking needless risks
- Often making mistakes because of carelessness
- Having trouble resisting temptation
Treating Behavioral Problems in Children
Early treatment is essential to helping children recover from mental and behavioural disorders. The goal is not to let those issues carry over into adulthood and lead to more severe consequences. Having them talk with a health provider who can get them to open up about what they’re going through is an excellent first step.
The doctor may recommend that your child receive a complete mental and medical evaluation to rule out an underlying physical illness or disease. From there, they can make a diagnosis of what is causing your child’s behaviour. Once they understand the core problem, your doctor can start working on a treatment plan.
How to manage behavioural problems in children
There are several ways to manage behavioural problems in children, including:
- Positive reinforcement: This involves praising and rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing unwanted ones. It can help encourage positive behaviours and increase the child’s self-esteem.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent approach to discipline, routines, and expectations can help reduce confusion and anxiety in children. Clear and specific rules can also help children understand what is expected of them.
- Communication: Encouraging open and honest communication with children can help them express their feelings and needs. This can help prevent outbursts or aggressive behaviour and promote a more positive relationship between the child and caregiver.
- Environmental Changes: Changing the child’s environment can help reduce unwanted behaviours. For example, providing a quiet space for children to work or play or using noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions that cause hyperactivity.
- Seeking Professional Help: Sometimes, behavioural problems in children can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. In such cases, seeking professional help from a psychologist or a child psychiatrist may be necessary.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand that every child is different, and what works for one child may not necessarily work for another. Consistency and patience are key when it comes to managing behavioural problems in children.