Health & Wellness

Behavioural Issues And Disorders In Children


Behavioural issues are common among children, whether they are energetic, obedient or mischievous. The way we respond to their problems play a major role in how likely the child is to repeat them in future.

Some common behavioural issues are listed below:

➔  Disrespectful behaviour like name-calling, throwing things and mocking should be addressed appropriately, otherwise it will get worse with time. If they are doing it for attention, it’s best to ignore and show them that this is not the right way. Firmly and calmly speak to them about using kind words and make it clear that you’ll not tolerate this kind of language at home.

➔  Children tend to lie to get attention, to avoid getting in trouble or to feel better about themselves. The best course of action is to emphasize on the importance of honesty and praise them when they tell the truth- especially when the truth could get them into trouble.

➔  Too much screen-time is not healthy and very negatively affects a child’s behaviour. Try to establish clear rules for screen-time and be a healthy role model. You can also consider a family-wide digital detox and reduce the dependency on gadgets.

 

➔  Food related problems can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and all the nutrients are very important for a child’s growth. So, if your child is a picky eater, then you have to proactively work to help your child develop a healthy attitude about food.

➔  Whining can be a really bad habit, especially if it helps the child to get what they want and it’s important to curb whining before it becomes a bigger problem. First try to ignore and then give positive attention when they stop whining. Teach them appropriate ways to deal with uncomfortable emotions instead of whining.

➔  Aggressive behaviour is common among kids nowadays. It can be from throwing a book in frustration to punching their siblings when they are mad about something. Sometimes children don’t know how to handle their feelings in a socially appropriate way but it decreases with time as the child grows and gains new skills.  One should seek professional help if it doesn't get better over time.

 

➔  Bedtime behavioural problems, such as refusing to stay in bed or insisting on sleeping with you, can lead to deprived sleep and physical health issues as well. Try to create a healthy bedtime ritual and establish clear bedtime rules-consistency is the key

Behavioural disorders basically involve a pattern of disruptive behaviours in children that lasts for about six months or more.

 

Some of the most common behavioural disorders are listed below:

➔  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a condition that impairs an individual’s ability to properly focus, to control impulsive behaviours or/and makes the child hyperactive.

➔  Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

ODD displays an ongoing pattern of hostile, irritable and uncooperative attitudes in children toward authority figures, such as parents, caregivers or teachers.

➔  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

In ASD, an individual faces difficulty that involve persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

➔  Conduct disorder (CD)

CD is a mental disorder characterized by hostile and sometimes physically violent behavior and a disregard for others like pushing, hitting, biting, teasing, bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft and vandalism.

 

When to seek help?

➔  When your discipline and rules strategies aren’t working.

➔  The child’s behaviour is affecting his/her work and school.

➔  The child’s behaviour is not developmentally appropriate.

➔  It’s not getting better over time.

➔  When aggressive and criminal behaviour (like fights, thefts, vandalism etc.) are increasing.

➔  When the child is having little concern or care for others.

➔  Child is engaging in self injury like headbanging or cutting.

                                                                                      

 

By: Sakshi Bisht | Life Within

Photo Credit: People photo created by wayhomestudio - www.freepik.com