Could Your Child Have a Behaviour Problem?

Behaviour problems are frequently overlooked

It's difficult to spot a behaviour problem in its early stages. Parents are usually extremely apprehensive when dealing with their children, but their first response to a real problem is usually a heavy dose of denial. On the other hand, childcare practitioners may not have enough time alone with a child to realise that a behaviour problem is forming.

To top it off, almost all children will exhibit symptoms of a behaviour problem, usually as part of a development stage the child is going through. Temper tantrums, shyness, moodiness, even violent behaviour; which child doesn't act like this from time to time? Early signs of a behaviour problem could be easily dismissed, as "every kid does it", or "the Terrible Twos", etc.

It's when challenging behaviours become prevalent and severe that a behaviour problem truly exists.

* Children may occasionally strike another child, but if a child has a problem with handling anger that is not properly addressed, an aggressive behaviour problem may form. The child could begin to irrationally attack others, in other words striking out merely on impulse.
* It is normal for children to go through a biting stage, but if this stage is not contained and discontinued, the child may develop a behavioural problem involving frequently biting others.

It is also important to note that behaviour problems can crop up from as early as around 18 months of age.

Why do behaviour problems arise?

Behaviour problems can be a result of a setting which the child is uncomfortable with. This is of course highly dependent upon the child. Too much noise, the presence of a particular person, a certain kind of smell, these are all liable to set a particular child off.

It could also be the result of the child's emotional needs going unanswered, in which case the problem will begin to arise in all settings. Where emotional distress is involved, the child is more likely to hurt himself or even other children, and as such warrants careful observation.

How to deal with it

Of course, this makes it seem easy to solve the problem. Just remove the source of distress to the child, i.e. change the environment, or pinpoint the source of stress and remove it. Followed with proper support, the behaviour problem could be resolved.

Naturally, remedying a behaviour problem won't usually be such a simple task. In such cases, it is important to help the child understand what is and is not acceptable behaviour. Set limits to help the child determine the types of acceptable behaviour, so the child knows when he is behaving inappropriately. It is important that children understand the reasons behind the limits. If they continue to behave inappropriately despite understanding the reasons, the child may require further intervention from professionals.

Besides setting limits, give the child choices, and time to respond to those choices as well as to think about what they did or said,. This will help them learn to control their behaviour and realise what type of behaviour is acceptable. Make sure you don't set too many rules or choices for young children though, as you may confuse them.

And don't forget!

Always remember to focus on the behaviour, not the child, otherwise the child may develop a poor self-image. When dealing with children, it is common for a lot of frustration to be involved whether or not a behaviour problem exists; always be patient and understanding. And never give in just to keep the child quiet, this will teach the child that reacting negatively will get him attention/his way.

It's very important that children with behavioural problems are not approached with an attitude of "just treat them like any other child and maybe the problem will go away on its own". Problems have to be addressed properly, so that progress can be made. Otherwise, the child's condition will only worsen, causing unhappiness to not only those around the child, but to the child himself.

It's sad to watch a child's development go downhill because of a behavioural problem which isn't properly addressed. Has anyone come across a case, or a suspected case of behavioural problems in a child? Please voice out your thoughts!