Difficult versus normal child behavior varies according to a child's age and development, the norms of each family and societal expectations. For example, a short-lived tantrum in a 2 year old may be annoying, but a full-blown meltdown in a 12 year old is considered difficult child behavior. In an article about anger and tantrums, the Colorado State University Extension Services suggests that if parenting techniques are not working, if someone is getting hurt, or if nothing seems to work, then it's time to seek professional help for challenging behaviors.
Description
Difficult child behavior includes chewing with an open mouth, complaining about bedtime, refusing to do chores, talking back, slamming doors, breaking toys, hurting pets and hitting parents. All of these require different interventions depending on the age of the child, the circumstances surrounding the behavior and the severity and frequency of the behavior. Mild forms of difficult child behavior also include stamping of feet, rolling eyes and not following directions. Severe forms of difficult child behavior include violence, aggression and non-compliance.
Causes
The causes of difficult child behavior range from situational to medical. Parents, unable to provide consistent care and firm limits, may find their children acting out and displaying bad behavior. Stress may trigger difficult behavior as a child seeks an outlet for anger, anxiety or frustration. Mental health and developmental problems like depression and autism also cause difficult behaviors. In regard to violent or aggressive behaviors, the World Health Organization, in its article, "Youth Violence," states, "Witnessing violence in the home or being physically or sexually abused, for instance, may condition children or adolescents to regard violence as an acceptable means of resolving problems."
Effects
Bad behavior impacts individuals, families, school and communities. A child with bad behavior may feel remorse, anxiety and alienation. Families may struggle with parenting a child who continually displays abusive or disrespectful behaviors. Teachers feel the impact of bad behaviors as they struggle to maintain calm classrooms conducive to learning. Communities, including neighborhoods, places of faith, police, hospitals and juvenile justice systems struggle to balance help and support with issues of discipline.
Treatment
For the most common types of bad child behavior, change comes from encouraging positive behaviors, a nurturing environment, setting limits and implementing consistent consequences for poor choices. Children with more complicated negative behaviors may require the help and guidance of physicians, therapists or medication. For extremely unruly or aggressive behaviors, some children may need to be placed in residential treatment centers in order to receive the intensive treatment they require.
Considerations
Families, schools and professionals all struggle to determine which behaviors and children are typical and which behaviors and children are abnormal and require interventions. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry cautions families, saying, "Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously. It should not be quickly dismissed as 'just a phase they're going through!'"
