A Behavior Problem in ChildrenFind out about the assessment tools we offer. They can help you learn more about the behavior problem in children that concerns you. Or find out more about an email consult and get help for the children you care about or work with. Remember...child problems span a range of concerns. These include learning, social and emotional problems, as well as behavior problems. Some children externalize their problems and show poor impulse control. They may act out in an angry, aggressive manner. Children who exhibit internalizing problems may appear withdrawn or passive and anxious and depressed. What worries do you have? Do you worry about a child who finds it difficult to learn or pay attention in school? What about the child who lacks self-esteem or seems anxious or unusually shy and withdrawn? Does a child you care about seem depressed or unhappy? Or do you worry about a child who has difficulty getting along with his peers? This site can help you address your concerns. What Contributes to a Behavior Problem in Children? Although many people are quick to blame parents for problem behaviors in children, parenting problems can result from a child's behavior or way of interacting, and may not be the direct cause of the child behavior problem. The child's behavior problem can influence how others feel about him and how they behave toward him. A parent, for example, may find it hard to interact in a positive manner with a difficult child. Problem behaviors in children can also negatively effect the mood and the parenting behaviors of their parents. In addition, problem behaviors contribute to significant stress in parents, teachers and others who are involved with the child. The behavior of problem children can also precipitate negative events, which contribute further to the child's problems. Although ineffective parenting can contribute to child behavior problems, so too can a host of other interacting factors. These include the child's temperament, family problems and stress, as well as genetics. We need to move beyond the view that parents are to blame for all their child's problems. Similarly, we need to realize that genes are not the only important factor. Instead children with behavior problems are a product of both nature and nurture. A complex interaction between the child and his environment shapes his behavior. The environment not only influences the child's behavior, but the child's behavior influences how others react to him. This, in turn, shapes the child's behavior. A behavior problem in children is of concern to parents, and others who work with the child. They want to know if the child will outgrow the problem and what they can do to help. Research suggests that some behavior problems in children do persist beyond childhood. In one study of children with behavioral and emotional problems, for example, approximately 40 % of the children had problems in adulthood. However, the good news is-60 % did not (Hofstra, Vander Ende, & Verhulst). Consequenlty, a behavior problem in childhood does not doom most children to a life of problematic and difficult behaviors. Problems are likely to persist into adulthood for children who have severe behavior problems and receive little or no help to address them. On the other hand, children who receive support and exhibit other protective factors are more likely to overcome child behavior problems. 1. Seek professional support if you are having difficulty coping with a child's behavior. A child psychologist can help you decide whether a child's behavioral concerns warrant further attention. 2. If you are unsure whether professional support is required view our article Warning Signs of Child Behavior Problems. It can help you decide whether a behavior problem in children warrants further concern or is "just a stage" the child will outgrow. 3. Or find out about our email consult and how it can help with a behavior problem in children. 4. Click here to learn more about behavior problems in children and how to help. Or Return to our Home Page and find help for the child problems that concern you.
Resources Referred to on This Page Hofstra, M.B., Van der Ende, J. & Verhuulst, F.C. (2000). Continuity and change of psychopathology from chidlhood into adulthood. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 39, 850-858.
Copyright 2002 (c) Dianne S. O'Connor, Ed.D. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. O'Connor runs her practice, Assessment Based Solutions, in Toronto (Yonge & St.Clair) and the Hamilton/Niagara region (403 & Rousseau Rd.) She can be reached at 416-592-0838. You can also contact Dr. O'Connor by
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