COMMON PROBLEMS OF EED CHILDREN

Common child behavior problems

 Overview

         All children exhibit problem behaviors from time to time and all of them have an underlying cause. However, not all problem behaviors can be placed under a single category, nor can caregivers respond to all of them in the same way. Caregivers should try to uncover the roots of a behavior and assess a child's individual temperament before implementing a proper method of discipline.

          Defining "normal" behaviors in children depends on a child's age, development and personality, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Whereas "normal" child behaviors fit within social expectations and a child's level of development, problem behaviors go against those expectations. For example, a child in elementary school may not be expected to defy authority in the same way that a teen does.

Reasons for Misbehavior

         In some cases, children exhibit problem behaviors if they desire attention or want to test the limits placed by authority figures, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Children may also misbehave if they are striving to become independent from their parents, if they feel threatened and are trying to protect themselves, or if they feel overwhelmed, insecure, tired, hungry or ill. Sometimes children pick up on what authority figures deem "problem behaviors" by watching others, including their own parents.

Changing Problem Behaviors

        Don't attempt to change your child's problem behaviors all at once, says the University of Michigan Health System. You will be less likely to overwhelm or confuse your child if you focus your efforts on one to two particularly hazardous or bothersome behaviors. Your response to those behaviors will depend on your child's age. If a younger child's argumentative nature is getting out of hand, try to reduce instances of arguments by giving her choices. For example, you may ask her whether she wants to wear her white or red socks and whether she would like to first clean her room or the living room.
          On the other hand, a toddler's problem behaviors may best be remedied by redirecting her attention to another activity and sending her to occasional short time-outs. In some cases, a logical and natural consequence, such as taking away the toy that caused a fight between siblings, is enough to remedy problem behaviors in the future. Ultimately, the University of Michigan Health System says that consequences are most effective if they are immediate and consistent.

Behavior Disorders

      

         Behavior disorders cause some children to act in ways that transcend typical childhood mischief or rebellion. MedlinePlus recommends asking for help if your child has been behaving in a hostile, aggressive or disruptive manner for at least six months. Some problem behaviors may include damaging property, harming themselves or others, lying, stealing, problems in school, using drugs or drinking, frequent arguments and tantrums, sexual activity at an early age and constant hostility toward authority figures.

Outside Treatment

          If a child consistently exhibits problem behaviors, he should receive a full evaluation to rule out or properly diagnose conditions, such as behavior disorders, mood disorders or learning disabilities, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Early intervention methods, such as behavior therapy and specialized education, will give the child a chance to reach his full potential.

OTHER PROBLEMS OF A CHILDREN

         There are five very common behavior problems that almost every parent will experience when dealing with their children. Of course, every child is different, and some children will struggle more with some problems than other children. If you are a parent, however, chances are you will have to deal with at least one or two of these problems as your child grows and matures.

One of the most common problems that parents have to deal with is their child’s whining. How does a child begin whining? More than likely, your child began whining when she discovered that you paid more attention to her when she was in distress. While that distress may have begun with a legitimate situation, it probably developed into your child’s way of getting your attention, even if that attention was negative. How can you deal with the whining? You need to take the attention away from your child. You simply should not respond to your child’s whining. When she begins to whine, you can very calmly tell her that you will not answer her or address her problem until she speaks to you in an ordinary voice, then walk away from her and continue to ignore her whining behavior. When she realizes that the whining isn’t getting the result she desires, she should stop.

         Another common problem that parents encounter is bedtime battles. Does your child go calmly to bed, only to repeatedly get up for that last sip of water or visit to the bathroom? Does it take you one to two hours to get your child to finally settle in for the night? There are several ways you can handle this depending upon the age of your child. If your son or daughter is a toddler or pre-schooler, you may want to keep a chart. Each time your child goes to bed and stays in bed, reward her with a sticker. After a designated time period in which she stayed in the bed for several consecutive nights, let her choose a particular treat, such as a small toy or a visit to a new playground. Be sure you praise her for being a good girl. If your child is older, you may need to dock any extra time that he takes staying in the bed. Explain to your child that the longer he stalls going to bed, the less time he will be allowed to watch television or play on the computer.

        If your child has the irritable habit of throwing a tantrum every time you go to the supermarket, you are not alone. Often, these habits intensify simply because it is easier to give in to your child than to address the problem. How can you handle these tantrums? Probably the most important thing you should remember is that you should never give in to them. This may mean that you have to leave the store. Once you leave the store, however, don’t let your child’s behavior go without consequences. Once you get home, you will need to instill some sort of time-out or loss of privilege, depending on the age of your child.

Indulging your child too much and too often may turn your child into a selfish, spoiled brat. While you may have thought that you were lavishing your child with love by giving into her every whim and desire, you may soon learn that your child’s desires are unending. If you have somehow helped to create a demanding child, you can reverse this behavior pattern, even though it may take a while. Don’t give in to your child’s every wish. Instead, help your child discover ways to earn certain privileges or objects. Show your child that there are many people who are in need. Be sure you volunteer at activities that your child can help with. Teach your child to give to others, instead of only wanting to obtain things for herself.

         Finally, many parents wake up one morning to suddenly find that their son or daughter thinks he or she can talk back in a disrespectful manner. Of course, when a child talks back to a parent, that parent may lose his or her temper rather quickly, but you should keep in mind that this is often what a child wants. If your child senses that he has the power to make you lose control, he may exert that power more and more often. Your child needs to show you respect, and in order to teach him this, you will need to talk to him respectfully, but firmly. If he speaks to you disrespectfully, you should tell him that you will not discuss anything with him until he can talk respectfully to you. Let him know that he will not get any kind of response out of you until he changes his tone. Behavior problems can be overwhelming, but with firmness and consistency, parents can do a lot to manage their child’s behavior.