How to Identify Acting Out
When your child conducts herself in negative ways with unpleasant actions and behaviors, you might say she is ̶0;acting out.̶1; The term ̶0;acting out̶1; stems from the understanding that people who show these behaviors are putting forth feelings and emotions that were previously stuck inside, advises therapist Andrea Mathews, writing for the Psychology Today website. By observing behaviors, you can determine whether behavior falls under the heading of acting out.
Instructions
Observe your child̵7;s actions to determine whether they fit with typical acting-out behaviors. If your child becomes excessively emotional and disruptive and engages in an inappropriate or disproportionate outburst of emotion, this behavior suggests acting out, according to Registered Nurse Joan Schonbeck, with the Healthline website. Assess whether your child appears to have lost emotional or physical control of himself. A child showing acting-out behaviors may become so frustrated or angry that he loses his composure and resorts to out-of-control behavior. A child may not possess the emotional skills and control that would enable him to respond positively to frustration, which could result in a temper tantrum or acting-out behavior. Note the presence of aggression or abuse in your child̵7;s actions. Acting-out behaviors might include aggression and anger toward peers, adults, animals or even your child, herself, states Schonbeck. If you note this type of behavior, consider seeking professional assistance or intervention as it could be a symptom of more serious issues. Consider whether issues or problems exist in areas of a child̵7;s life that could contribute to acting out behaviors. For example, if your family has recently experienced the death of a loved one, marital difficulties or divorce or even a bullying situation, a child could exhibit acting out behaviors as she tries to manage emotions, according to the Children̵7;s Mental Health Ontario website.
