When should i be concerned about my child’s behavior?

Even when a child exhibits undesirable behavior, you don’t necessarily have to be concerned. Every child faces and expresses emotional difficulties periodically — feelings of sadness and having emotional extremes are part of growing up.

When behaviors start to cause problems in relationships, school performance, and family dynamics, you should seek help. Also consider how long disturbing behaviors have persisted and their intensity. A one-off temper tantrum may be normal, but intense behavioral reactions that seem outside what is age-appropriate can raise concern. Difficulties managing behavior in the classroom setting can also be an indication that your child may benefit from early therapeutic interventions. 

An evaluation can help you understand what is normal and age-appropriate and what behaviors may need intervention and support. Dr. Padron can help you develop new behavior management and communication strategies to support your child and their behavior.

what are common behavioral concerns?

Psychological interventions are available if you have a child with oppositional or defiant tendencies. Common indications of a behavioral disorder is characterized by behavior that is: 

• Uncooperative

• Defiant

• Hostile toward peers, parents, and other authority figures

Symptoms that suggest a behavioral disorder include:

• Frequent temper tantrums

• Doing things to annoy or upset others

• Refusing to do what adults ask or arguing with adults

• Questioning rules and refusing to follow them

• Being easily annoyed by others

• Often having an angry attitude

• Speaking harshly or unkindly

• Seeking revenge or being vindictive

What does treatment look like for behavioral issues?

Treatment for behavioral concerns includes behavior modification therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and parent training. If your child’s classroom behaviors are difficult to manage, treatment may also take place within the school. School interventions allow your child to be corrected in the moment when undesirable behavior is displayed and rewarded when behaving well. 

Behavior modification utilizes rewards and reinforcement to encourage good behaviors. A token economy system (e.g. reward chart) could be used at home to help your child stick to the rules and complete their homework/chores. 

It’s normal to sometimes have symptoms of a behavioral disorder on occasion. Behavioral disorders are a problem when it causes ongoing problems in more than one area of your child’s life. Please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you were to have some concerns regarding your child’s behavior.