Child and Adolescent Behavioral Issues
Childhood behavioral issues can take a toll on the whole family. With the right support, you can become the parent you want to be and help your child develop into their best self.
Does my child need the support of a psychologist?
Most parents can expect that, at times, their children will test limits and struggle to manage their emotions and behaviors. It’s understandable because young people are still learning how to communicate their needs, problem solve and understand expectations across a variety of situations.
Children may act out in response to big emotions, such as when an anxious child has a “fight-or-flight” response and has tantrums or argues in response to an overwhelming situation that they want to avoid or escape. Other children exhibit more defiant behaviors, such as refusing to comply with requests and rules, or other disruptive patterns of oppositional behavior that impact family functioning and relationships.
Here are some common signs your child or adolescent may need the support of a psychologist:
- Often loses temper
- Has difficulty controlling emotions and displays frustration and irritability
- Refuses to comply with requests or household rules
- Often argues with adults
- Has difficulty maintaining friendships due to problematic behaviors
- Disruptive behavior leads to frequent negative parent-child interactions
Treatment/Behavior Management
Treatment/
Behavior Management
Seeking independence is a natural part of growing up and, as children try to find their own voice, they often push boundaries in the process. However, some children display consistent disruptive behaviors outside of what is expected. In those circumstances, understanding why the behavior is occurring is the first step in determining a treatment path. For example, some children are defiant when asked to complete chores because they don’t want to disengage from a preferred activity, such as playing video games. Other children may act out during their morning routine because they are feeling anxious about going to school.
As a parent, it can be overwhelming and confusing about how to best respond. With the support of a child psychologist at Positive Development Psychology, parents can:
- Better understand the causes of their child’s behavior
- Learn to stay calm and consistent
- Develop healthier communication habits
- Set reasonable expectations
- Learn behavior management strategies to address mild behavioral issues or more significant oppositional behavior
Childhood oppositional behavior is sometimes associated with emotional or behavioral issues or difficulties in adjustment in adolescence and young adulthood. It is highly beneficial to be proactive and treat behavioral issues early, rather than take a wait-and-see approach.
For children whose main struggle is noncompliance, Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is often the suggested intervention. BPT is an evidence-based treatment approach that gives parents or caregivers the tools to deal more effectively with defiant child behavior. This parent-based model teaches parents multiple behavior management skills aimed at increasing wanted and reducing unwanted child behaviors, as well as promoting more positive parent-child interactions.
When appropriate, based on age, ability to engage in treatment and other factors, children or adolescents may also benefit from participating in in-person or online therapy. With the support of a psychologist at Positive Development Psychology, they can work on improving emotional awareness and further developing communication, problem-solving, and coping skills to better manage their emotions and behavior.
FAQs About Behavioral Issues
What causes children to develop behavioral issues?
Behavioral issues can arise from a variety of factors. Child behavior can be influenced by the consequences of their undesirable behavior. For example, if children receive a lot of attention or successfully avoid unpleasant activities due to their oppositional behavior, they are more likely to repeat the behavior again. Behavioral issues can also stem from the child’s genetic predisposition, the parent’s inherited predispositions that could impact effectiveness in managing child misbehavior, or family or other temporary stressors. Understanding these factors, with the support of a child psychologist, can help in developing effective interventions.
Is it better to address behavioral issues early or wait to see if they improve on their own?
Addressing behavioral issues early is typically recommended, as defiant behaviors are often stable over time and can be associated with maladaptive behavior in adolescence or young adulthood. It can also be challenging to treat other presenting concerns if noncompliant behavior is not addressed first. Thankfully, there are effective interventions to address childhood noncompliant and defiant behaviors.
Can therapy help my child if they are defiant or noncompliant?
Yes, therapy can be very effective for defiant or noncompliant behavior. However, while individual therapy may be helpful for older children, individual therapy with young children to address disruptive behavior is not effective. Understandably, young children do not have the ability or desire to independently implement therapeutic tools learned during moments of frustration or heightened emotion. Rather, a parent-based model is recommended with young children in order to address these behaviors and improve parent-child interactions.
What should I expect during the first few therapy sessions?
Before beginning therapy, parents will participate in an intake session. You should expect open discussions about the child’s behavior, history, any relevant family dynamics, and other areas of strength and challenge. The therapist will also arrange a time to meet with your child. Initial sessions will focus on understanding the factors contributing to the child’s behavior, collaboratively identifying goals and making a plan for treatment.
What are some effective behavior management strategies for parents?
Effective strategies include setting clear behavioral expectations, maintaining a calm and structured environment, and implementing consistent consequences, including both positive reinforcement and mild punishment techniques. It is also important for parents to model desirable behavior. A child therapist specializing in behavior management can help provide your family with strategies tailored to your individual needs.
For more information and to learn how Positive Development Psychology can help you, contact us to speak with a psychologist.