How to Identify Behavioral Issues in Children: 8 Tips for Parents

Understanding Behavioral Issues in Children

Behavioral issues in children are patterns of disruptive actions that interfere with their daily routine and social interactions. They are often characterized by problem behaviors like aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity.

Symptoms of disruptive behavior disorders are frequent and repetitive and go beyond the occasional tantrum. For example, a child struggling with behavioral problems might argue with authority figures daily rather than having an occasional meltdown when they're feeling tired, hungry, or stressed.

Some common behavioral conditions in children include:

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD):
  Characterized by a persistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures, such as parents, caregivers, and teachers.
  
  
• Conduct disorder (CD):
  Repetitive and persistent behavior that violates the rights of others and breaks social norms, such as aggression, lying and manipulation, and destroying or stealing property.
  
  
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
  A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily routines and child development.
  
  

If your child receives one of these behavioral diagnoses, know that you're not alone. These conditions are more common than you might think: CDC statistics indicate that 17.4% of children in the US have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.

Common Signs of Behavioral Issues

So, how can you tell if your child has a behavioral condition? While every kid is unique, there are some tell-tale signs of disruptive behavioral disorders to watch for.

1. Emotional Signs
   Children who are struggling with a behavioral disorder will often go through extreme mood swings. While we all feel fear, anxiety, irritability, or sadness occasionally, children with behavioral issues will experience these emotions much more intensely, regardless of what's happening around them.
   
   
2. Social Signs
   You can also watch your child's social interactions for more clues about their mental health. Children who have behavioral issues often struggle to make meaningful friendships.
   
   This is often due to a lack of empathy and an inability to relate to their peers. Other children may also reject kids with behavioral issues due to their disruptive behaviors. On top of that, some children with these conditions choose to isolate themselves.
   
   
3. Academic Signs
   Some problem behaviors become more obvious once children are old enough to go to school. Teachers might complain about disruptive behaviors like excessive arguing, a refusal to participate in class activities, or even picking physical fights with others.
   
   You might also notice a decline in grades, or that your child struggles to master new concepts at school. These symptoms are often present regardless of the child's general intelligence.

Risk Factors to Watch For

These disruptive behavior disorders don't happen in a vacuum. In most cases, there are underlying risk factors that make behavioral disorders more likely.

Here are some of the causes of behavioral issues in children to watch for.

• Trauma:
  Children who have been exposed to violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, or frequent family conflicts are more likely to struggle with behavioral disorders.
  
  
• Genetic factors:
  If family members struggle with behavioral or mental health conditions, children are at increased risk of these conditions as well. It's also important to note that boys are statistically more likely to develop behavioral conditions than girls, so gender could play a role here as well.
  
  
• Underlying developmental challenges:
  Children who struggle with learning disabilities or low self-esteem may deal with their stressors by acting out.

8 Tips for Identifying and Addressing Behavioral Issues

Managing a behavior disorder can take a toll on the entire family. Here are some tips for parents for behavioral issues that can help you identify and address the problem effectively.

1. Observe and document behavior
   Getting a diagnosis for your child starts with closely observing their behavior. Keep a detailed written record of your child's behavior to identify patterns and potential triggers.
   
   
2. Communicate with your child
   Whenever possible, engage in open and honest dialogue with your child. This can help you better understand their feelings and perspectives. Using a caring tone without judgment can help your child feel more comfortable opening up.
   
   
3. Set clear expectations and consistent rules
   Consistency and structure can help children feel more secure, making them less likely to act out. Work with your family to set clear expectations and rules, and enforce them every time. If the child has siblings, these rules should be applied equally.
   
   
4. Use positive reinforcement
   Negative reinforcements and harsh punishments can sometimes make problem behaviors worse. Instead, encourage good behaviors with positive reinforcement, such as praise and appropriate rewards.
   
   
5. Engage in family activities
   Spending quality time together can help strengthen your family bond so your child feels more supportive. Look for engaging, low-stress activities that you can enjoy together, such as going for walks, doing crafts, or having an age-appropriate movie night.
   
   
6. Work with teachers and caregivers
   Parents are just one part of a child's support system. By collaborating with teachers and caregivers, you can develop a consistent approach to managing your child's behavior in different settings. Teachers and caregivers can also provide insight into your child's behavior that you might not get at home.
   
   
7. Seek professional help
   Many behavioral issues are too challenging to handle on your own. Consider seeking behavioral therapy for kids and other treatment options with the help of your pediatrician or child psychologist.
   
   
8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
   Meeting your child's physical needs can help prevent problem behaviors from arising. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity.

Find Support at Family Medical Center

No matter the circumstances, children's behavioral disorders are stressful for the entire family, and you’ll need careful guidance to address them.

At Family Medical Center, we help both children and parents in Lake Odessa, Michigan get the support they need. As a patient-centered medical home, we offer comprehensivepediatric care as well asdisorder assessments for kids of all ages.

Call our office today to learn more or request an appointment online.