BEHAVIORAL ISSUES IN CHILDREN .
Behavioral disorders refers to a category of mental disorders that are characterised by persistent or repetitive behaviours that are uncommon among children of the same age, inappropriate, and disrupt others and activities around the child.
Types of behavioural disorders:-The three most common types of behavior disorders are :-
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• conduct disorder (CD)
Causes:-
• Genetics:- A child’s behaviour is a product of his temperament. A child with a strong temperament is more likely to have behaviour problems than a child with a mild temperament.
• Financial Strains:- A report by the National Association of Social Workers suggests that children in impoverished families often exhibit behavior problems. These children tend to be hyperactive and aggressive.
• Environmental Causes:- When children are in an unsuitable environment, they are prone to act out. Lack of playthings or attention can lead to jealousy and then hostility between children
• Malnutrition:- when a child isn’t fed properly he/she can get irritated due to empty stomach or due to constant feeling of hunger. Children of low social-economic condition can have this certain cause for there behavioural issues.
• Unhealthy or inconsistent discipline style:- parents who don’t make there children to follow a specific routine and lead a disciplinary life-style can have children with behavioural issues as they will not like any specific routine added to there life style
• coercion of parents:- This parenting style can make a child to develop behavioural issues. such a parent derides, demeans, or diminishes children and teens by continually putting them in their place, putting them down, mocking them, or holding power over them.
Why Parents Should Talk to the Doctor regarding their child’s behaviour :-
• Your discipline strategies aren't working. If your discipline techniques aren’t effective, a mental health professional or child behavior expert can help you discover alternative discipline techniques.
• Your child's behavior interferes with school. If your child is frequently removed from the classroom or he has trouble getting his work done due to his behavior, he may need professional help.
• Your child's behavior impacts her social life. It's important for kids to have positive social interactions. If your child's behavior prevents her from making or keeping friends, it's important to seek help.• Your child's behavior is not developmentally appropriate. If your 8-year-old still throws frequent temper tantrums or your 10-year-old hits people, those behaviors are not developmentally appropriate. Seek help if your child's behavior seems immature compared to other kids her age.
Mangament:-
• Be aware of the situation: Consider and manage environmental and emotional factors — hunger, fatigue, anxiety or distractions can all make it much more difficult for children to rein in their behavior.
• Adjust the environment: When it’s homework time, for instance, remove distractions like video screens and toys, provide a snacks, establish an organized place for kids to work and make sure to schedule some breaks — attention isn’t infinite
• Make expectations clear: You’ll get better cooperation if both you and your child are clear on what’s expected. Sit down with him and present the information verbally. Even if he “should” know what is expected, clarifying expectations at the outset of a task helps head off misunderstandings down the line.
• Provide countdowns for transitions: Whenever possible, prepare children for an upcoming transition. Let them know when there are, say, 10 minutes remaining before they must come to dinner or start their homework. Then, remind them, when there are say, 2 minutes, left. Just as important as issuing the countdown is actually making the transition at the stated time.
• Let kids have a choice: As kids grow up, it’s important they have a say in their own scheduling. Giving a structured choice — “Do you want to take a shower after dinner or before?” — can help them feel empowered and encourage them to become more self-regulating.