Part of your job as a parent---sometimes the hardest part---is to deal with your child's behavior issues. If the behavior issues aren't too serious, or if they are short lived, you may be able to work things out between you and your youngster. But if the situation heads in the other direction, look for help before the behavior becomes damaging or dangerous.
Your Pediatrician
Make an appointment with your pediatrician, recommends the University of Michigan Health System. Share your concerns about your child's behavior and/or other issues you notice---for instance, eating or sleeping problems. The doctor can rule out any physical causes and tell you whether he suspects something else, such as obsessive--compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If that's the case, he'll suggest you visit a mental health provider.
School Psychologist
Your child's school psychologist can be an excellent resource for help with behavior issues. The National Association of School Psychologists says these professionals offer counseling and mentoring for students with social and emotional challenges. They help kids solve problems, develop communication skills, work on anger management and improve their outlook on life. They can also make referrals to other mental health professionals in the community.
Therapist and/or Psychiatrist
If your child---or your family---needs psychological counseling, you can find a wide range of providers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. You can seek help through your church or synagogue, local mental health center, private clinics, social service agencies or your employee assistant program at work. If your child needs medication for a mental health issue, you can contact a private psychiatrist or the psychiatry program at a hospital or medical school.
Online Resources
Online resources can help you better understand your child's behavior problems. Education.com lists several organizations that offer insight and education. KidsHealth.org, the website for the Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, covers topics such as binge eating disorder, compulsive exercise and breath holding. The National Institute of Mental Health offers information about disorders such as OCD, ADHD and autism. You can find out about aggressive behaviors such as biting by visiting the website of the California Childcare Health Program.
