Child Behavior Disorders Summary All kids misbehave some times. And some may have temporary behavior problems due to stress. For example, the birth of a sibling, a divorce, or a death in the family may cause a child to act out. Behavior disorders are more serious. They involve a pattern of hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behaviors for more than 6 months. The behavior is also not appropriate for the child’s age. Warning signs can include Harming or threatening themselves, other people or pets Damaging or destroying property Lying or stealing Not doing well in school, skipping school Early smoking, drinking or drug use Early sexual activity Frequent tantrums and arguments Consistent hostility towards authority figures If you see signs of a problem, ask for help. Poor choices can become habits. Kids who have behavior problems are at higher risk for school failure, mental health problems, and even suicide. Classes or family therapy may help parents learn to set and enforce limits. Talk therapy and behavior therapy for your child can also help. National Institute of Mental Health Specifics Aggressive Behavior American Academy of Pediatrics Biting Nemours Foundation Children Who Won’t Go to School (Separation Anxiety) American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Competition and Cheating American Academy of Pediatrics Conduct Disorder American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Disobedient Child American Academy of Pediatrics Disruptive Behavior Disorders American Academy of Pediatrics Fighting and Biting American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry My Child Is Stealing Nemours Foundation Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Shyness in Children American Academy of Pediatrics Swearing American Academy of Pediatrics Temper Tantrums Nemours Foundation Understanding Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Find an Expert American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Mental Health Psychologist Locator American Psychological Association Diagnosis and Tests Children’s Threats: When Are They Serious? American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry When to Seek Help for Your Child American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Behavior Disorders National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Conduct Disorder National Institutes of Health Array Conduct disorder Discipline Oppositional defiant disorder Temper tantrums Trichotillomania Treatments and Therapies Going to a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist Nemours Foundation Mental Health Care: Who’s Who American Academy of Pediatrics Psychotherapies for Children and Adolescents American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Taking Your Child to a Therapist Nemours Foundation Treatment of Children with Mental Illness National Institute of Mental Health What Is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician? American Academy of Pediatrics Teenagers How Can I Deal with My Anger Nemours Foundation Related Issues How to Understand Your Child’s Temperament American Academy of Pediatrics Teaching Your Child Self-Control Nemours Foundation Your Child’s Habits Nemours Foundation Start Here Normal Child Behavior American Academy of Pediatrics Journal Articles Child Behavior Disorders Latest News Don’t Blame Kids’ Behavior on Full Moon HealthDay
