What are child behavior disorders? This article covers child behavior and conduct disorders. Includes behavior disorder warning signs and the types of child behavior disorders as stated by the AAP. If you need help for your child's behavior problem - read on...

Child behavior disorders can present themselves in a number of ways. What you may think is a normal stage that your child is going through could actually be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Every child is different and child behavior disorders affect each child in a different way. This article will give a general overview of what to look for and when you may need to seek further help for your child.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health the following are warning signs that your child could be in need of help for a child behavior disorder:

• harming or threatening themselves, others, 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 toward authority figures

While there may not be alarm right off, if you see a pattern forming it can be a sign of real problems.  Children who suffer from behavior disorders are at a higher risk for school failure, suicide, and mental health problems.  Do not be afraid to ask for help at any point when you see one or more of these symptoms.

While children with conduct or behavior disorders will need therapy, the parents of these children can also benefit from therapy to learn how to deal with these child behavior disorders in an effective way.  It is strongly recommended that parents get guidance for their role.

So how can you tell if your child's behavior is normal?  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) makes the point that it can be very hard to know when the line is crossed between normal and abnormal behavior.  There is a wide range of what is considered "normal".  You have to take into account a child's age as well as their maturity level.  What may be normal for one eight year old can be completely different for another eight year old.  This is why parents and educators are key in discovering if a child is struggling.  Always keep in mind that all children vary in temperament, development, and behavior.  These are not one size fits all facts.

The AAP states that there are three basic types of behavior.  These include:

1. Behavior that is wanted and approved.  Minding manners, doing homework, being on time, being courteous.
2. Behavior that is only tolerated under certain circumstances such as illness, stress or other times. These would consist of things like being self-centered, slacking on chores or school work.
3. Then there are behaviors that cannot be tolerated under any circumstance such as hurting some else or themselves, hurting a pet, breaking the law, anything that is harmful to anyone.

The AAP stresses the importance that the parents reaction plays in all of this.  When a child reacts in a certain way some parents want to do absolutely nothing.  This is rarely if ever the answer.  Parents are in a hard place.  It is easy to over react to something small and meaningless.  At the same time it can be easy to not see how vast and far reaching a problem is and then the parent down plays the problem or does not take appropriate action.  A parents job is so hard.  The key is really being in tune with your child and knowing what you expect from that child.

Certain behaviors that are considered child behavior problems include:  aggressive behavior, cheating, lying, separation anxiety, truancy,  disobedience, fighting and biting, self injury/cutting,  and temper tantrums.

Related Article: Teen Behavior Disorders >>