A Behavioral Problem in Children

Are you concerned about a behavioral problem in children? Concerns about child behavior range from the relatively benign to the more extreme.

What concerns about child behavior worry you?

Family Problems Can Contribute to a Behavioral Problem in Children

Children who experience family problems and stress often show this stress through behavioral problems and concerns. Children of alcoholic parents, for example, are at increased risk of developing behavior problems.

Find out more about children of alcoholic parents and what you can do to help.

Find out about other causes of child behavior problems and the risks that they will persist into adulthood.

The Acting Out Behavioral Problem in Children

Are you worried about an angry, acting out child? Some children react to upset and stress by externalizing their distress. They act out in an angry, aggressive manner. Acting out behaviors can include oppositional defiant behaviors and refusal to comply with reasonable adult requests. They also include mood swings and extreme emotional outbursts.

The Explosive Child offers helpful suggestions for teachers, parents and counsellors who are concerned about an angry, acting out child.

The With-Drawn, Sad or Anxious Child

Are are you worried about a child who seems sad, withdrawn or depressed? A behavioral problem in children can also include withdrawal, passivity and sad, anxious behaviors. Children who exhibit these behaviors internalize their distress and are often hard to reach. These children may seem unusually shy and timid. They often appear to lack self-esteem and affect.

Find out more about the anxious child. What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children? How can you help the anxious child?

The Child with Attention Problems

Are you worried about a child who is distractible and has problems paying attention and focussing on tasks? What about the child who has adhd or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Learn more about how to help children with attention problems.

What About Other Child Behavior Problems?

Are you worried about a child's social problems or emotional well being? Do you have concerns about a child's sleep and eating problems? What about child discipline problems?

View a list of our articles about child behavior problems. These articles will help you learn more about these child problems and other concerns about a behavioral problem in children.

Do you wonder if the child problems that concern you require further attention and support. View our article Warning Signs of Child Behavior Problems. This article will help you decide whether your concerns about your child's behavior require further attention or professional support. Click here to view this article.

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 email.

Dr. O'Connor is the author of I Can Be Me-A Helping Book for Children of Alcoholic Parents.