Children are born with a temperament that can influence their mood, activity level, distractibility, and ability to process external stimuli. Some individuals may use the term "problem child" to describe a child with a difficult temperament. However, children who are sensitive to stimuli or have intense reactions to environmental changes may have what is called a difficult temperament, and it is critical to understand that these traits may be natural, rather than a behavior the child chooses.
Factors That Influence Temperament
According to the Ohio State University Extension, there are traits present at birth that influence a child's temperament. Children who are born with irregular sleep and dietary rhythms can have difficulty with mood and adaptability from a very young age. It is critical that adults who are caring for these children understand that these traits are not behaviors a child is choosing to be "bad" or difficult, but rather, a product of biological and environmental influences.
Traits of a Difficult Temperament
Sources at Ohio State University Extension note that a child with problematic behavior patterns will often have a strong sensitivity to noise and activity. He may exhibit signs of hyperactivity or destructibility when there is a great deal of stimulation in the environment. These children tend to struggle in unstructured environments where there is a lot of activity or sensory input. They may feel irritable or behave impulsively.
Parenting Difficult Children
Sources at the Ohio State University Extension suggest that parents with difficult children need to place emphasis on the child's positive attributes and behavior. Raising a difficult child can be challenging, but it is important that the child gets positive messages about her strengths. Without affirmation of positive behaviors and character traits, a difficult child can develop problems with confidence and self-esteem that may contribute to additional behavioral issues.
Additional Support
When a child has a pervasive pattern of difficult or disruptive behavior it may warrant a consultation with a family physician or mental health professional. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) notes that extreme cases of problematic behavior may lead to a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder. However, this only occurs if a child has shown a serious and ongoing pattern of frequent temper tantrums and active defiance. This diagnosis requires a complete assessment from a mental health professional, and is typically treated with individual and family therapy and behavior management interventions.
Expert Insight
All children can be difficult from time to time. It is critical to consider whether a child is eating and sleeping well, because these are two primary factors that influence mood. In addition, it it is normal for children to go through periods of difficult behavior, especially when they are 2 to 3 years old or when they enter early adolescence. Adults should refer questions and concerns about serious behavior problems to a medical doctor for early intervention.
