Support for Children's Behaviour
Some children show behaviours that can be difficult and challenging for their age. Often these behaviours are a response to stressors in the child’s life, and sometimes they can reflect an ongoing difficulty such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). Some children with behavioural concerns are also neurodivergent, for example with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and may benefit from a different kind of support.
Our Psychologists work closely with parents to provide strategies and tools that support their child at home and build on the work done in sessions. We place a strong emphasis on early support, so families can get help as soon as concerns arise.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Some of the typical behaviours of a child with ODD can include:
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Being easily angered, annoyed or irritated
- Refusing to follow rules
- Deliberately annoying or provoking others
- Arguing frequently with adults, particularly the most familiar adults in their lives, such as parents
- Low self-esteem
- Low frustration tolerance
- Often blaming others for mistakes or misbehaviour
Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder involves a more persistent pattern of behaviour that breaks rules or affects the rights of others. Some of the typical behaviours of a child with CD may include:
- Frequent refusal to follow parents or other authority figures
- Repeated truancy
- Using cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs at an early age
- Lack of empathy for others
- Aggression towards people or animals, including bullying
- Starting physical fights
- Frequent lying
- Stealing, lighting fires or damaging property
- Running away from home
If you are worried about your child’s safety or someone else’s, please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Children with ADHD may experience:
- Attention: difficulty staying focused, forgetting instructions, or moving between tasks before finishing them.
- Impulsivity: speaking before others have finished, reacting quickly when frustrated, or being more accident-prone.
- Activity: restlessness and fidgeting.
With understanding and the right support, children with ADHD can build on their strengths at home and at school.
Treatment for Behavioural Concerns in Children
Every child is different, so support is tailored to the child and their family. Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:
- Parent support – helping parents with strategies to communicate with and support their child.
- Family therapy – supporting the whole family to improve communication and problem-solving skills.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helping the child understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
- Emotional regulation and anger management – helping the child recognise the early signs of frustration and learn coping and relaxation skills.
- Building on strengths – many children with behavioural concerns experience setbacks at school or with friends, and encouraging their strengths and interests (such as sport or creative activities) can help build self-esteem.
Book an Appointment in Oran Park or Narellan
Children’s behavioural support is available at our Oran Park and Narellan offices, where our Psychologists work with children and their families. To book an appointment for your child, call our team on (02) 7907 3964 or book online today.
