Defining a child behavioral problem requires a definition for normal child behavior. According to the American Association of Family Physicians, normal or "good" child behaviors are behaviors that are developmentally appropriate based on social and cultural standards. A behavioral problem in a young child with a developmental delay, for example, is likely to be different from a behavioral problem in an emotionally mature older teen. Knowing what to expect from your child in different phases of his development will help you assess his conduct.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, research estimates that between one and four of every 100 children between ages 9 and 17 have a condition called conduct disorder, which is typified by having little concern for others, violating established societal rules, acting out feelings and impulses in destructive ways, and committing increasingly serious offenses over time.
Warning Signs
Although all children misbehave from time to time, behavior disorders transcend simple mischief or rebellion, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Warning signs of behavior disorders in a child or teen include at least six consecutive months of: harming or threatening of self or others, damaging or destroying property, lying or stealing, poor school performance, skipping school, early substance abuse, early sexual activity, frequent outbursts or arguments, and consistent hostility toward authority figures.
Discipline
The American Academy of Family Physicians says that parents have three choices when dealing with a child's problematic behavior: They can decide that the behavior isn't problematic because it is developmentally appropriate; they can try to stop the behavior by ignoring it or punishing it, such as with a time-out that lasts up to one minute per year of age; or they can try to introduce and reinforce positive behaviors with a reward system, such as offering an extra bedtime story if the child brushes his teeth in a timely manner. Older children might be more likely to follow household rules if they can help set some of them. Regardless, parents should set rules and implement discipline methods consistently to avoid confusing the child.
Risks
Children with behavior problems are at higher risk for failure in school, mental health problems and suicide, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. Although courses and therapy can help parents to curb problem behaviors, some behaviors may persist.
Finding Help
If a child or teen makes a serious threat about damaging or destroying property, running away from home, or hurting or killing herself, you should seek help from a mental health professional. Also consult a doctor if your child is acting unlike herself or if she begins to act in ways that seem dangerous to property, herself or others. Take note of any changes in her physical well-being, because some disorders may present with symptoms such as headaches or trouble with sleeping.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Child Behavior - What Parents Can Do to Change Their Child's Behavior
- University of Michigan Health System: Behavior Problems - Your Child
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Child Behavior Disorders
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Children's Threats - When Are They Serious?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Children and Adolescents with Conduct Disorder
