Recognizing Child Behavior Problems

Being a parent is challenging. There is no “one size fits all” aspect to understanding how to best raise a child. When you factor that into raising a child who exhibits behavioral problems it can become overwhelming. Child behavior problems present themselves in different ways depending on the child. Behavioral disorders are usually diagnosed by a professional. Getting help from a Christian counselor can help navigate child behavior problems.

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NASB

When should I be concerned?

Trying to determine which behaviors could indicate issues beyond typical child behavior can be difficult. The best place to start is to understand those behaviors identified as disorder issues. This won’t happen in one afternoon of observation. The key is to make note of behaviors that may present themselves as troublesome.

Lack of focus

There is no doubt that all children struggle to focus from time to time. Even adults have moments of difficulty when it comes to focus. It is when a child struggles to complete tasks and has bouts of impulsive activity that inattention can be an indicator of child behavior problems.

Refusing authority

Defying a parent is another common occurrence in most children. It seems that every toddler goes through the “no” phase. There are even instances of defiance during adolescence that are not considered alarming. However, when a child has an excessive issue with refusing to align with the authority figures in their lives, it can be a sign that there is an underlying behavioral issue.

Inability to interact socially

Children with behavior problems typically exhibit antisocial tendencies. They often violate social rules and have extreme difficulty behaving properly in normal childhood relationships.

Excessive aggression

It is common for children to display moments of disagreement with other children. Most of them display problems sharing and taking turns as they learn how to interact with others. When this type of behavior becomes alarming when it entails severe harm to others and increased authority problems.

Blaming others

Most children do not want to get in trouble when they do something wrong. Those who are consistent with denying any involvement even though they were identified could be exhibiting signs of having child behavior problems.

What are the most common signs of child behavior problems?

There are many signs that you can look for when evaluating the extent of your child’s behavioral issues. This is a list of the most common signs that present themselves as behavior problems:

• Continuing refusal toward authority.
• Lying/stealing.
• Sad and withdrawn for a period longer than two weeks.
• Extreme personality or behavior changes.
• Frequent tantrums.
• Decline in academics.
• Damaging property.
• Harming self or others and threats of harming.
• Indications of smoking, drugs, drinking, or sexual activity.

Most children who have behavioral problems will exhibit a combination of these behaviors frequently. Individually and in a non-repetitive manner these signs can be seen as typical adolescent or teen behaviors. Though they are not healthy, they are not as problematic individually as they are combined.

Are there certain types of child behavior problems?

Once there has been a determination that the child has behavioral issues, the next step is to identify which type of disorder is being manifested.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

This type of disorder is evident when the child continually acts out at school, home, or other settings. The child will exhibit anger and seem to be resentful. They may argue with adults and refuse to comply with rules. They will also blame others for everything and antagonize others.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Most children who struggle with ADHD will exhibit more impulsive behaviors. They have a tough time focusing and are unable to complete assignments at school. They seem to be forgetful and careless. Most of them appear to struggle with temptation and risky behavior. Consistent talking and fidgeting is another indication that the child may be suffering from ADHD.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

This term is used to define persistent and emotional behaviors of children. This disorder is usually evident in the lack of respect for the rights of others, societal rules, and empathy. The most typical behaviors are physical altercations and bullying.

A child with CD may deliberately harm others through the use of weapons such as a bat. Other behaviors include destroying property, stealing, and having little to no remorse for their actions.

Anxiety

Anxiety revolves around fear. Children with behavioral issues often exhibit these fears differently. They may develop a separation problem and refuse to go to school. They can have a phobia that is tied to a specific event or thing such as dentists and dogs.

Depression

Being sad is not abnormal. Children who exhibit an extensive bout of sadness could be struggling with depression. They may become despondent to activities and seem a little sluggish. Most of the time they choose to sleep or remain alone. They may have trouble paying attention to the activities around them. A change in eating habits and self-harming behavior are also indications of depression in children.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The symptoms of PTSD in children who have suffered a traumatic experience are typically those that coincide with fear. Sleeping problems and nightmares are common indicators of PTSD.

These children will replay the situation in their minds which can lead to anger. The refusal to be in places that remind them of the event or being near any other triggers keep these children from being happy. This makes it seem as though they are emotionally numb.

Helping your child

Identifying child behavior problems can help you understand how to help your child recover and navigate those issues. The main focus of helping them is to keep these behaviors from affecting their adult lives. When you can effectively help your child at an early age they can pursue a healthy and productive life. The important part is to establish a treatment plan with a Christian counselor in your area.

Along with a treatment plan, it is important to be able to establish at-home solutions. These solutions can include responses that coincide with the treatment plan recommended by the counselor.

These are as simple as giving your child praise when they follow the instructions for an assignment. When you choose to let your child know that even though you understand there are other issues at the base of these problems, you won’t allow them to go undisciplined.

Here are a few strategies that can help as you learn to navigate these issues with your child:

Create household rules

There should be clear and concise rules for the home. They should be written down and discussed with the child(ren) in the home. This can help them see that there are expectations in the home.

Create consequences

Along with the rules each home should have a list of consequences relating to the violation of the rules. This can help teach accountability.

Create structure

Keeping things routine helps children stay focused. It can help them to stay on task when they know what is expected each day.

Create reinforcement

When you encourage and praise your child for properly managing their behavior it causes them to engage in those positive behaviors. A simple reward system can increase their desire to manage their behavior.

Conclusion

Most children will exhibit behaviors that are problematic at times. But there are times when these child behavior problems are indicative that there is a more severe problem that needs medical attention. Learning to identify these behaviors and understanding how to help your child will assist them in learning to navigate the management of these behaviors.