Common Behavioral Problems in Children

Children experience behavior problems both in and out of the classroom. Read on to learn about these behavioral problems and what you can do as a parent.

Parents whose children exhibit signs of poor behavior can become frustrated and do not know what they can do to help correct their child's behavior. They find that grounding their children for getting into problems at school does not always help the situation, and sometimes causes their behavior to deteriorate further. Fortunately there is help for students who have behavioral problems.

Cheating

Cheating can start as a minor problem but left unchecked will develop into a major issue. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org, cheating often is due to the competitiveness of the American culture and often starts during early childhood when a child is confronted with the competitive nature of games and sports. If a child is presented with homework and sports that are too complex for them to understand and to handle, they may develop a habit of cheating as a self-defense mechanism to help them prevent failure and embarrassment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents deal with each cheating episode by teaching the child that cheating is wrong and discussing how they might have handled the situation differently. Also, discuss the stress and pressures the child is facing and make sure you, the parent, doesn't have too high expectations for your child in school and in sports. Most importantly, too severe of a punishment rarely works to correct the cheating habits.

ADD and ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD, and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, can occur in up to 20% of children, reported a 1999 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Children who have these disorders often have problems focusing their attention and are easily distracted. Other symptoms include difficulty taking turns, remaining still, and keeping quiet. All of these symptoms must be present in both the school and home environment in order for a child to be properly diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.
One of the most widely-used treatments for these disorders is drug therapy. The most common drug prescribed to youth who have ADD/ADHD is Ritalin. Ritalin helps calm children and is effective in 70 percent of those treated. As with any medication, however, there can be some negative effects. Ritalin is classified among 'Schedule II' controlled substances, all of which have a high drug abuse potential. Therefore, if a child is taking Ritalin, it is important to discuss the dangers of drug abuse. Additionally, discuss with them why they are taking the drug to ensure they know that taking drugs will not solve all of their life problems.

Common Psychological Problems of School Children

Just as adults, children can suffer from psychological problems. These may be considered to be behavioral, mental, emotional or learning disorders. Treatments exist for each type of disorder and a mental health professional can determine if a child indeed has a particular problem. Many psychological problems cycle with periods of worsening followed by periods of improvement. Some issues resolve while others persist through adulthood. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment increases the likelihood of successful management of these disorders.

Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Depression may begin in childhood, particularly if the child has close biological relatives who suffer depression. Depression is often marked by a lack of interest in activities, sadness and exhibition of poor self-esteem. Bipolar disorder, a disorder in which periods of depression cycle with periods of mania, can also become apparent by late childhood. Depression and bipolar disorder occasionally lead to suicide attempts, and parents must monitor the child as well as seek appropriate treatment. Therapeutic techniques for these disorders involve medication and counseling.

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Autism

Autism is a pervasive disorder in which the child does not communicate at the same level as her peers and may show little interest in contact with others. She may have learning difficulties and become focused on a rigid routine and particular objects instead of showing interest in new things. Autistic children often have particular mannerisms, such as flapping their hands and an exaggerated startle response. While no medication directly treats autism, treatment and a specialized learning environment can maximize the child's potential.

Conduct Disorder

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry describes conduct disorder as a mental illness in which the child encounters difficulty behaving in the way that is expected of him. He may run away from home, steal, set fires, destroy property or harm animals, siblings or peers. This serious disorder requires treatment that may include medication, counseling and behavioral management.

Anxiety Disorders

Children can experience a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these disorders are characterized by significant fear and uneasiness that lasts for a month or longer and affects the child's quality of life. Treatments include medication and counseling.

Substance Addiction

Older children may fall into substance abuse and addiction. Substances commonly abused include alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs, among other drugs. Inhalants such as gasoline, paint, glue and solvents are also used for getting "high." Some children become psychologically or physically addicted to substances and require treatment for recovery. Parents must become familiar with signs of substance abuse. Common treatments include counseling and inpatient hospitalization.

Eating Disorders

Some children fall victim to eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Typical symptoms are being underweight, feeling she is fat even when she is thin, obsession with counting calories, and frequent excuses for not eating. Treatment for eating disorders usually involves counseling.

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is suspected when a school-aged child has difficulty focusing on homework, paying attention in class, sitting still, staying in line or waiting his turn to speak. This disorder is frequently treated with medication and occasionally with behavior modification.

Learning Disorders

Some children have difficulty learning at the same level as their peers. It may help to determine how the child learns best. For some children, reading is easier for them, while other children benefit from a visual demonstration. Still others work best by having hands-on learning. Testing is required to determine the specifics of the disorder and develop a specialized learning plan.

Schizophrenia

This psychotic illness may strike children during their late school years. Early manifestations may include withdrawing from friends, developing unusual speech patterns, seeming to have no emotions, acting peculiar and elevating suspiciousness. Schizophrenia is commonly treated with medication and may require periods of hospitalization.

Common School Age Problems

Constipation: a very common and frustrating problem in children. It is usually defined as the passage of hard and painful stools or going four or more days without a bowel movement. Constiption is most commonly caused by a diet that is low in fiber, but can also be caused by drinking too much milk (more than 16 to 24oz/d), not drinking enough water or waiting too long to go to the bathroom. Initial treatment is increasing the amount of fluids he drinks and increasing the amount of fiber and bran in his diet. It is usually also helpful to decrease the amount of constipating foods in his diet, including cow's milk, yogurt, cheese, cooked carrots, and bananas. Stool softeners may be necessary if these steps don't work.
Upper Respiratory Infections: these are very common and include symptoms of a clear or green runny nose and cough and are usually caused by cold viruses. The best treatment is to use salt water nasal drops and a bulb suctioner to keep their nose clear. Call your Pediatrician if your child has high fever, difficulty breathing or is not improving in 7-10 days
Vomiting: usually accompanies diarrhea as part of a viral infection. If your child starts vomiting, it is best to give them a break from eating and drinking for an hour or so and then start to give small amounts of Pedialyte (1 teaspoon) every five or ten minutes. Once your child is able to tolerate drinking these small amounts you can increase the Pedialyte to about a tablespoon every five or ten minutes and then larger amounts as tolerated and then change back to his regular formula. Avoid giving just Pedialyte for more than 12 hours. Call your Pediatrician if the vomit has blood in it, if it is dark green, or if your child is showing signs of dehydration (which includes not urinating in 6-8 hours, having a dry mouth and weight loss).
Diarrhea: a common problem and is often caused by a viral infection. Call your Pediatrician if the diarrhea has blood or pus in it, if it is not getting better in 1-2 weeks or if you see signs of dehydration (which includes not urinating in 6-8 hours, having a dry mouth and weight loss). You should continue with their regular diet, but may give 1-2 ounces of Pedialyte each time that he has large diarrhea stool to prevent dehydration.

School Problems

Going to school usually is an exciting, enjoyable event for young children. For some it brings fear or panic. Parents have cause for concern when their child regularly feels sick from tension, "plays sick" or with minor physical complaints wishes to stay home from school. Not wanting to go to school is most common in children ages 5 to 7 and ages 11 to 14. These are times when children are dealing with the new challenges of elementary and middle school. These children may suffer from a paralyzing fear of leaving the safety of their parents and home. The child's panic and refusal to go to school is very difficult for parents to cope with, but these fears can be treated successfully, with professional help. At the Counseling Corner we have that help available for your family.
Refusal to go to school often begins following a period at home in which the child has become closer to the parent, such as a summer vacation, a holiday break, or a brief illness. It also may follow a stressful occurrence, such as the death of a pet or relative, a change in schools, or a move to a new neighborhood.
The child may complain of a headache, sore throat, or stomachache shortly before it is time to leave for school. The "illness" subsides after the child is allowed to stay home, only to reappear the next morning before school. In some cases the child may simply refuse to leave the house.
Children with an unreasonable fear of school may have the following traits:

feel unsafe staying in a room by themselves
display clinging behavior
display excessive worry and fear about parents or about harm to themselves
shadow the mother or father around the house
have difficulty going to sleep
have nightmares
have exaggerated, unrealistic fears of animals, monster, burglars
fear being alone in the dark, or
have severe tantrums when forced to go to school

Such fears are common among children with separation anxiety disorder.
The potential long-term effects (anxiety and panic disorder as an adult) are serious for a child who has persistent fears and does not receive professional assistance. The child may develop serious educational or social problems if away from school and friends for an extended period of time.
The parents and child can benefit from seeing a child therapist with experience in treating this issue. At the Counseling Corner we have child therapists who commonly treat this issue and can usually help resolve the problem. The child therapist can work with the parents and the child in an effort to immediately return the child to school and other important daily activities. Since the panic comes from leaving home rather than being in school, frequently the child is calm once in school. Refusal to go to school in the older child or adolescent is generally a more serious illness, and often requires more intensive treatment.
Unreasonable fears about leaving the home and parents can be successfully treated, and parents should not hesitate to seek professional help. A trained child therapist can make all the difference in treating this issue before it causes more problems for the child. Again these types of services are all available at the Counseling Corner.

Vision Problems of Schoolchildren

By Gretchyn Bailey; review and updates by Gary Heiting, OD

Your child's vision is essential to his success in school. When his vision suffers, chances are his schoolwork does, too.

Vision problems are common among school-age kids. According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age children have vision problems that, if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school.
School-age children also spend a lot of time in recreational activities that require good vision. After-school team sports or playing in the backyard aren't as fun if you can't see well.

Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Kids

Refractive errors are the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children. Parents, as well as teachers, should be aware of these 10 signs that a child's vision needs correction:

Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
Losing his place while reading or using a finger to guide his eyes when reading
Squinting or tilting the head to see better
Frequent eye rubbing
Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Avoiding using a computer, because it "hurts his eyes"
Receiving lower grades than usual

Schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if your child exhibits any of these signs. A visit with the doctor may reveal that your child has myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism. These common refractive errors are easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Common Problems in Early Childhood Education