Child Behavior, Child Development And Child Discipline

Child Behaving Badly? Then Find Out Why

When Children Behave “badly” it is easy to criticise them for this. However, it is important that we look into the reasons they have for demonstrating this behaviour. This article looks at the most common types of behaviour in children.

The way we are brought up will have the single biggest influence on our behaviour. The views of our parents and carers will affect our own ideas about behaviour. Although how we were brought up ourselves will define the way we view others this does not necessarily mean that we will continue to follow our parents or carers views once we have reached adulthood. For example, a child who has had very authoritarian parents or carers may well be more laid back and relaxed in their own approach to parenthood.

On the whole a child who feels happy and content is more likely to behave well. Feelings of inadequacy and not being in control can lead to unacceptable behaviour in children as they strive to express themselves. Their inability to express themselves can result in the child showing aggressive or disruptive behaviour. Boredom is

another common cause of unacceptable behaviour. There are many different types of behaviour which children can, and do, exhibit from time to time and we will now look at some of the more common types of behaviour which may give cause for concern.

Disruptive Behaviour

A child who continually causes disruption in a group setting may do so for a variety of reasons.

• They may have very low self esteem

• They may be attention seeking

• They may be lacking in social experiences and be unused to spending time with other children

• They may have a short attention span

• They may have problems with their general cognitive abilities resulting in immature behaviour

• They may be unable to empathise with others

Aggressive Behaviour

Aggression in young children is quite common. Often frustration and the inability to express themselves

are the root cause of aggressive behaviour. Other factors may be:

• Inadequate role models – the child may be experiencing aggression within the home setting

• They lack experience in language and social skills

• They have low self-esteem

• They lack empathy with others

Destructive Behaviour

This type of behaviour is again often shown when a child has difficulty expressing themselves and becomes frustrated. However, boredom and jealousy may also be factors which result in this type of behaviour along with:

• Attention seeking

• Low self-esteem

• The lack of experience in social skills

• The lack of empathy with others

Demanding Behaviour

All children enjoy adult attention and are often at their happiest when they have your undivided attention.

Although some children can be aggressive in their quest for constant adult attention, others may simply be seeking reassurance. Other reasons for demanding behaviour may be:

• Age – the child may be experiencing separation from their parents for the first time and be feeling insecure

• Seeking attention

• Lacking understanding in what is expected of them

Submissive Behaviour

Sometimes a child will “give in” to others because they simply want to avoid conflict. This kind or reasoning comes with age. Younger children do not usually consider the consequences and will often stand up for themselves even if they have no chance of victory. However a child who constantly shows signs of submissive behaviour may do so because:

• They lack self esteem

• They are naturally quiet and shy

Tantrums

Some children show signs of tantrums regularly. They often “explode” when asked to stop doing something and vent their anger in the form of a tantrum. Tantrums can last seconds and may involve simply throwing themselves on the floor, or they may go on for much longer and result in aggressive behaviour such as kicking, biting and screaming. A child who starts to have temper tantrums who has not previously shown them may be experiencing a change in circumstances such as starting a new school or problems at home which are making them feel confused and unsettled. Other factors influencing temper tantrums may be:

• The child’s age – tantrums are often the result of the child’s inability to express themselves

• A lack of social experiences

• A medical problem such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Over affectionate Behaviour

Most children enjoy the affection shown to them by the adults they know and love. However, in some circumstances, children may demand hugs from strangers or people who are uncomfortable with this kind of behaviour, such as other children. Factors which may cause a child to become over affectionate are:

• A lack of affection at home

• A family who may exhibit very affectionate behaviour

• Autistic tendencies

• A lack of understanding of appropriate behaviour

It is all too easy for adults to label a child as being “naughty”, “disruptive” or “aggressive” when what we really should be focusing on is the whole picture and trying to identify why they are behaving in such a way. Just like adults, children have needs which have to be addressed in order for them to grow into healthy balanced human beings and it is our duty as parents and carers to ensure that these needs are met.

This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study.

If you want to find out more about Managing Children’s Behaviour or many other distance learning courses please browse their website:
Start Learning

A useful way to learn more about children’s behaviour is to sign up for a distance learning course on the subject. By studying in your free time, you can study in your home and gain knowledge at your own pace.

Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning

Start Learning

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