Your child’s behavior issues can take many different forms, and it often relies on how each parent defines a problem. Not all issues with child behavior can be addressed here. Some of the typical issues that concern parents are covered in this questionnaire. It can help you choose when seeking medical advice or consulting a child psychiatrist might be a good choice.
The terrible twos
When a youngster is between the ages of one and three, they are starting to recognize their distinct identity. It’s a time when the child frequently experiences alternating episodes of self-assertion, including violent temper tantrums when his or her wishes are not granted, and moments of increased dependency and insecurity, when the child reverts to babyish behaviors like thumb sucking and refuses to be separated from the parents. The “terrible twos” can be an extremely stressful time for parents as a result of this kind of conduct.
Managing tantrums
Be calm when your youngster is having a tantrum. Pick up your crying child and hold him or her tightly until they stop until you can maintain your calm in public. But, if the tantrums are upsetting you, it is advisable to leave the room rather than shout, act in an agitated manner, or otherwise disturb yourself. See your doctor if frequent temper tantrums are leaving you feeling anxious and unable to manage; they might be able to provide helpful advice.
TYPES OF BEHAVIOR ISSUES
Violence, aggression, and destructiveness.
A youngster may naturally be assertive, but extremely violent or aggressive conduct may be a reaction to anxiety, boredom, or lack of parental attention.
Withdrawal
A child who suddenly stops interacting with others could be experiencing anxiety or despair. You should try to identify the source if this kind of conduct continues for more than a week or so and, if necessary, seek medical help.
Stealing
A child who steals can just really want something, or they might do it for fun and to impress their pals. A child who is insecure frequently steals to get attention. Sometimes a youngster may frequently steal minor items with little value; this could be an indication of emotional disorder, and you should probably get professional assistance.
Disobedience and impoliteness
If your child consistently disobeys your commands, it may indicate that the framework of rules you have established is too strict and that your child is using disobedience as a way to exhibit independence. Or perhaps your child hasn’t fully grasped why the regulations are in place. Youngsters may intentionally disobey adults or use crude or disrespectful words to get their attention by eliciting an outraged or shocked reaction.
DISCIPLINE AND REGULATIONS
The majority of kids benefit from a set of rules that are simple to understand and clearly define the limits of appropriate conduct because it gives their activities a solid foundation. Every family has its own rules on language and conduct; actions that might be frowned upon in one family can be considered acceptable in another. The reasons you establish particular rules as a parent should be clear to you, whether they are for safety concerns or out of respect for the rights and feelings of others. Also, you should weigh the benefits of upholding particular strict standards versus the requirement for the odd altercation to enforce them. Try to give your child some freedom to make decisions independently within the confines of your rules; otherwise, you risk diminishing initiative and self-assurance or inciting resistance.
Punishment
In an ideal world, using punishment to get your child to do anything should never be required. Your goal should be to find other, more constructive ways to win your child’s cooperation so as to eliminate willpower conflicts. These strategies might include using praise and rewards to reward excellent conduct, setting an example (especially when it comes to language and manners), and explaining any restrictions you may want to impose frequently. But occasionally, every parent must use discipline, and the majority of kids respect and accept this. The suggestions below could be useful.
- Always strive to match the severity of the punishment to the offence. Make the punishment, whenever possible, a sort of atonement.
- Any punishment must be handed out right away after the offence and never delayed.
- Children are always able to see when threats are empty, so never threaten a punishment you are certain you won’t follow through on.
- Make sure that everyone knows that punishment does not indicate that you no longer care for your child. Your anger is a kind of punishment for many kids. It’s a good idea to end with a comforting hug and words of reassurance.
- Physical punishment is a bad way to get a kid to cooperate since it frequently causes anger, which has the opposite impact. If you find yourself unable to manage your anger to the point where you worry you might harm your child, it is wise to seek medical help.
Child Guidance
Your child may be taken to a child guidance clinic if your family doctor determines that your child’s chronic behavioral issues could benefit from specialized assistance. This facility specializes in evaluating children with behavioral issues so that the root of the issue can be precisely identified, and the proper course of therapy can be recommended. On a first visit, the entire family is typically invited so that the clinic personnel can discuss the issue with them. It might be essential for the youngster to attend subsequent visits with just one parent. Depending on the kid’s age and the nature of the issue, the youngster may take part in a variety of activities like play sessions or future staff discussions. The staff can then provide guidance on the best course of action after getting a clear picture of the situation.