Challenging Behavior in Young Children

Behavior problems in young children can be caused by many different factors. Often children with behavior problems are smart, strong-willed, and stubborn. These are traits that can help your child be very successful as an adult, however also tend to make parenting more challenging in the meantime. For these children, their behaviors may be an attempt to get attention from adults or to get what they want (i.e. a new toy, stay up late, etc.).

Common behavior problems of this type include:

• Excessive tantrums
• Aggression towards parents, other adults, or peers/siblings
• Refusal to comply with simple requests (clean-up, get ready for bed, its time to go, etc.)
• Bedtime refusal
• Overall sassing and attitude with parents or other adults

These behaviors can then lead to power struggles between parents and kids, leaving parents feeling ineffective and emotionally drained.

Other Reasons a Child May Need Supportive Help From a Therapist:

• Changing Eating or Sleeping Habits
• Engaging in Destructive Behaviors
• Extreme Feelings of Sadness or Worry
• Behaving Badly
• Isolating From Friends
• Regressing
• Increased Physical Complaints
• Talks About Death Frequently

And Changes in Living Situations:

• Management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
• Parent getting divorced
• Having a hard time with a new sibling
• Moving homes or changing schools
• Dealing with an issue in the family or with a close friend
• Custody evaluations
• Therapy following sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events