child's behavioral problem and solution

A child whose actions are harmful, dangerous, disrespectful and difficult to control may have a behavior disorder that requires professional treatment. Also, a child should be evaluated if sudden changes in behavior have manifested alongside physical changes, such as difficulties sleeping and headaches.

PROBLEM:

Bad Behavior

Both biological and environmental factors may cause a child to develop disruptive behavior disorders, according to the Mental Health Association of Westchester. For example, children at the highest risk for Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorders (ODD and CD) are those who were born with low birth weights, have sustained neurological damage or have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children may also have higher chances of developing behavior disorders if they were rejected by their mothers, separated from their parents, if they live in inadequate foster homes, endure abuse, witness abuse on a regular basis or live in poverty.

SOLUTION:

Parenting Techniques

The University of Michigan Health System recommends that parents help their children change unwanted behaviors by gradually altering parenting habits. For example, it recommends focusing on only one or two problem behaviors (likely, the ones that are most dangerous) rather than trying to change too much at once. It also suggests allowing children to make some of their own small decisions to give them a greater sense of power over their own lives (e.g. "Would you prefer 'X' cereal or 'Y' cereal?") Other helpful parenting techniques involve consistent praise for positive behavior to reinforce it, and consistent follow through with an established punishment---typically time-outs for younger children and revocation of privileges for older children---for every offense.