All children and adolescents misbehave from time to time. But some behavioral problems go beyond what’s typical for their age and developmental stage. These problems can affect the child, their family, and their community.
Warning signs of behavioral problems in kids and teens include:
- Harming or threatening themselves or others
- Damaging or destroying property
- Lying or stealing
- A consistent decline in school performance or skipping school
- Early smoking, drinking, drug use, or sexual promiscuity
- Frequent or explosive tantrums or arguments
- Consistent hostility towards authority figures
Parents of children with behavioral problems often feel overwhelmed and frustrated. They’ve tried everything to discipline their child, but nothing seems to work. This is because behavioral problems often have psychological roots.
If you see signs of a behavioral problem in your child, please reach out for help. Children and adolescents with behavior problems are at higher risk for school failure, mental health problems, addiction, and even suicide.
Therapy can help:
- Identify the root causes of your child’s behavior problems
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Improve communication and relationships between you and your child
- Reduce patterns of misbehavior
Dallas Counseling for Behavior Problems with Kids and Teens