We know children act and react in a certain way. When children act stubborn, at times, they can seem a bit aggressive, and at other times, a bit irritated. All of this is normal human behavior, so long as it is not too frequent.
But if these behavior problems are serious, and if these issues are caused for a long time, it could mean your child, or teenager, is struggling with a serious mental health problem. In situations where they might cause other people pain, throw tantrums, or refuse to act within societal norms.
A behavior problem such as this calls for an immediate consultation with an ABA therapist or with a teenager counselor. Receiving help from a mental health expert, does not in any shape or form, equate to your child being unusual, or you not being an adequate parent.
In a lot of situations, children don’t know how to navigate issues, and thus, require additional support in such matters.
This is to ensure they are catered to before the issues blow out of hand. In case your child or teenager is showing signs of such behavior, a child counselor can put your mind at ease. Should such problems be found, you can enroll your child in online therapy for teens.
When To Get Professional Assistance
You might be asking yourself, what behavior is indeed problematic and what can be brushed aside as typical behavior for a child. Here are a few signs you should remember and ignoring them must be out of the question.
Children who disrupt school, are repeatedly removed from the class, or struggle to complete the
school work may benefit from some professional help.
In case none of your discipline strategies work, it is time to consider enlisting the help of an ABA therapist, who can uncover some of the deeper issues with your child’s behavior and will help you with strategies to navigate those issues.
Everyone needs some form of positive interaction. If your child or teen
withdraws from social interaction or does not have friends in their peer group, it is
worthwhile to get help for them.
In case your child or teen is stubborn and throw tantrums or mood swings frequently, engage in petty fights or lashes out violently, it is very important to get immediate assistance.
What are Specific Red Flags?
More than likely, you will want to intervene in the behavior problems that your child displays. There are certain actions that call for attention, and for parents, there are actions that require an immediate response. Even though this may not be an exhaustive list, this collection includes several markers that require immediate action and assessment from an expert.
Aggressive Behavior Issues, Such As:
Making threats, inflicting pain, and throwing objects and other aggressive behaviors
For example, breaking into other people’s houses and businesses, stealing products, and arson
Being cruel toward animals, harming family pets and birds, injuring domestic animals and other people’s pets
Showing evidence of psychosis, visualizing, hearing, and perceiving things other people do not
Social dysfunction, deviant behavior, refusal to abide by social norms, absconding, and lying about actions
Addictions to drugs and drinking alcohol, as well as other forms of substance abuse
Caring little to no concern about other people’s feelings, responding to requests in a neutral manner, and not changing behavior for the better
Self-inflicted injuries such as headbanging, cutting, and bruising
What A Specialist Can Offer
Behavior issues are harmful to a child’s health, especially when they are complex. Such issues require meticulous assessment.
A mental health specialist is in a better position to identify the causal factors of such behavior patterns, dysfunctional behaviors, and other factors such as (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, borderline personality disorder, or conduct disorder).
As an example, if your child has a conduct disorder, a professional can diagnose social skills training and a treatment plan. Anxiety and depression can also give birth to behavior concerns.
Anxious adolescents may engage in aggressive behavior or stubborner rule compliance if they are anxious about something.
A complete assessment and evaluation from a professional will assist you to understand whether your child has any mental concerns. In most cases, a clinician will provide you some some ideas and might recommend your child to online psychotherapy. As an example, a teen who is experiencing some traumatic events, for instance, cyber bullying or harassment, could be helped through individual psychotherapy.
Occasionally, a parenting counselor may prefer working with you. He could suggest you to undergo family therapy or parent group training sessions. Acquiring children coaching skills will enable you to make a positive difference in your child’s behavior.
A Word from My Side
I am aware that behavior problems in children can be challenging to deal with. No parent should be ashamed that their child has these problems. With timely intervention and treatment, most children can be helped. Please talk to a mental health professional or get your child into therapy.