How to Identify Behavior Problems in a Child

Behavior problems in children, also known as child behavior disorders, are considered disruptive problems that have occurred for six months or more. Parents and caregivers need to know how to identify behavior problems in a child so they can seek professional treatment. Early intervention can prevent destructive habits, which may lead to failure in school, health problems or even suicide.

Instructions

• 1

  Know which behaviors are not behavior problems. Developmental stages, environments that are too stimulating or not stimulating enough, and new situations can all cause reactions in children that disrupt their healthy behavior. These are not to be confused with behavior problems.

• 2

  Understand temperament. Sometimes temperament is confused with behavior problems in children. Temperaments include activity levels (some high, some low), approach to new stimuli (some adaptable, some withdrawn), intensity and mood (pleasant or unfriendly), attention span (concentration levels vary), and sensory threshold (some require little stimulation to elicit a response, others require more). Temperaments are neither good nor bad, but require parents and caregivers to reflect on children as individuals and respond to their needs accordingly.

• 3

  Identify changes in behavior. Signs such as sudden poor performance in school, abrupt changes in eating and sleeping habits, persistent behaviors like aggression, mood swings, fears and threats accompany behavior problems in children.

• 4

  Seek help. The best way to identify behavior problems in children is to seek the advice of a professional children's therapist. When children have unmet emotional needs, behaviors that exceed temperament and development, or are threatening to cause harm to themselves or others, professional help is required.