Behavior Problems With Children Ages 6 to 11

Symptoms

• Detecting signs of behavioral problems while a child is still young is important in preventing the problem from growing worse. According to the National Institute of Health, warning signs include damaging and/or disruptive behavior, frequent temper tantrums, lying, stealing and not performing well in school.

Types

• Every child is unique, but it can be helpful to find support and research the behavioral problem. The most common problems or disorders in children of this age range are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and oppositional defiance and conduct disorder.

Causes

• Placing blame can be a negative action that may cause unnecessary harm. Explore the root of the problem to develop a solution. Researchers focus on five areas in which improvements may help with behavior: curriculum, teachers, nutrition, parents and the child. Some believe that excessive television is a possible cause as well.

Treatments

• Patience and love can be strong tools to affect positive change. Encouraging positive behavior through reinforcement and support is an important foundation, as is encouraging the child's interests. Depending on the extent of the problem, you might consider therapy and special schools. Some doctors recommend dietary evaluations and adjustments as beneficial. Medication remains a hotly debated, controversial issue in the field of child behavioral problems.

Discipline

• Do not leave problem children alone with other children. Kids with behavioral problems are a risk not only to themselves but to others and to property. Alert the child to the consequences of his behavior and discipline him accordingly. Discipline that includes repairing the damage he has done and helping those he has wronged can help him learn to behave properly.