Behavior Problems

From preschoolers throwing tantrums to defiant teens, every kid struggles with behavior at some point. Here’s what you need to know.

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About Behavior Problems

One of the most difficult parts of parenting is dealing with problem behaviors in our kids. Whether it’s typical toddler meltdowns, ordinary whining and arguing over chores, or extreme behaviors, it’s all tough. But you’re not alone. And there are strategies to help with every kind of behavior struggle.

Problems often pop up at predictable moments like bedtime, homework time, or when it’s time to turn off screens. But there are also kids who struggle with emotional regulation and seem to explode over the littlest thing. Praising kids for behavior you want to encourage gets better results than criticizing them for behavior you don’t want to see. And parent training programs can teach how to minimize children’s misbehavior and reduce conflict.

Behavior Basics

Most families struggle with behavior issues at one time or another. Often the behavior is frustrating but totally age appropriate. In other cases, it may point to something deeper going on. Our resources can help you find answers.

Behind the Behavior

When kids act out, our first instinct is often to address the behavior. That can work for one-time infractions, but for persistent challenges the first step should be understanding what’s causing it. We explore some of the common triggers for problem behavior.

Behavior Problems in Toddlers

They call it the terrible twos for a reason. Young children naturally begin to act out as they become more independent. Setting consistent limits early makes good behavior more likely in the future.

Behavior at School

Behavior problems are common for kids in school, and stress in school can affect behavior at home. School-specific behavior management strategies can help.

Behavioral Disorders

All kids act out at times, but when a child’s outbursts and defiance are more disruptive and more frequent than their peers, it’s possible that they have developed a behavioral disorder.

Mental Health and Problem Behavior

Extreme problem behavior can be the result of an underlying mental health or developmental disorder. Here are some disorders that can be associated with disruptive behavior, including ADHD, anxiety, and even depression.

Handling Common Behavior Issues

There are some battles that nearly every parent is familiar with: tantrums, getting your kids to do chores, screen time battles, transition challenges. Here’s what to do about them.

Skills and Strategies for Managing Behavior

Sometimes kids struggle with their behavior because they get carried away by strong feelings like anger or frustration. Here’s how to help now only kids, but also parents, manage big emotions.