Sometimes children are unable to cope with change or stress. This can leave them frustrated or angry and lead to behaviors that indicate they’re at risk for emotional and social difficulties.

Predictors of Behavioral Problems

Negative behavioral patterns can be linked to the following in a child’s life:

Violence or abuse. Children who are exposed to violence or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse are more likely to develop behavioral issues. They learn suspicion and distrust of others’ motives. In addition, when there are financial difficulties or trouble gaining assistance, a child might begin to negatively act out. When resources don’t exist in schools or communities to help, this heightens the challenge.
Focusing on the negative. With a difficult child, parents may focus solely on their misbehavior, failing to praise a child for appropriate choices. This can create a negative sense of self-worth.
Nature and nurture. Genetics or early childhood trauma can play a role in negative behavior patterns. If children are impulsive or inattentive from a young age, they might struggle to develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Early Warning Signs

Not every kid who exhibits one or more of these signs will be a troubled child. However, it’s important to consider these early warning signs:

Emotional

feeling alone, unworthy, rejected
having difficulty controlling anger
mood swings or persistent sadness
defiance or difficulty with authority figures

Social

not having friends
withdrawing from friends and family
lack of interest in school
harboring intense prejudice toward those who are different

Abuse

experiencing abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, tobacco)

Violence

writings and drawings that are violent or consistently chaotic in nature
interest in or joining a gang
owning or having access to weapons
bullying, threatening, intimidating others
hitting others or using physical violence against a person, animal, or property

Helping Troubled Children

Identifying and helping children with behavioral problems takes a community of committed people, and prevention is the most effective strategy. Here are some tools to guide you:

Be aware of developmental milestones. Sometimes we might think a behavior is a warning of future problems when, in reality, it could be appropriate for the child’s age. That’s why it’s important to understand when and how children pass developmental milestones. Learning to interact socially and emotionally takes time, and each child’s progression will be slightly different.
Understand the behavior. Consider the motivation behind the behavior. Many troubled children have aggressive or violent tendencies because no one has modeled positive coping methods, and they don’t know how to deal with life’s stresses. Or perhaps the child has only been shown attention for their misbehavior. Empathizing with the child is key to understanding the causes behind the behavior.
Develop a caring relationship. Children will open up when they feel safe. Listen to their concerns and help them feel heard. Avoid just punishing negative behaviors without rewarding positive choices. Modeling healthy coping methods in your own life reinforces positive behavior as well.
Take threats seriously. Get help immediately if a child threatens to harm themselves or others. Be sure there isn’t access to weapons or other means of inflicting self-harm. Alert authorities, teachers, school officials, or others to prevent action on any verbal or written threats. No one person can be with a child 24 hours a day. Involve the necessary people to help oversee the child and situation.
Don’t stereotype a child. Troubled behavior is not a reason to punish and isolate a child. Stereotyping or labeling can be damaging, so don’t assume that academic ability, socioeconomic status, or physical appearances are signs of troubled behavior. Also, one warning sign does not necessarily indicate a troubled child.
Don’t blame yourself. Many parents assume blame, thinking they are responsible for their child’s behavior. But there are multiple factors involved, and many are outside a parent’s control. Guilt is never a helpful emotion. Focus on being there for your child and helping them get the support and care they need.

Identifying a troubled child is not assigning them a lifelong diagnosis. It can be a sign of an underlying issue that can be addressed or solved by early intervention. Children with behavioral problems don’t have to become troubled adults. Mental health professionals and school staff are available to teach positive ways to cope with life stressors as a child transitions to adolescence or adulthood. The best strategy for success is surrounding yourself with a team of individuals who are willing and able to support both you and your child.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Behavior or Conduct Problems in Children. Accessed January 28, 2023.

Healthychildren.org. Normal Child Behavior. Accessed January 28, 2023.

Healthychildren.org. Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Accessed January 28, 2023.

Medicine Net. What Are the Signs of a Troubled Child? Accessed January 28, 2023.

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Identifying Troubled Children

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