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Evaluating Behavioral Problems

Parents often have difficulty telling the difference between variations in nor­mal behavior and true behavioral problems. In reality, the difference between normal and abnormal behavior is not always clear; usually it is a matter of de­gree or expectation. A fine line often divides normal from abnormal behavior, in part because what is "normal" depends upon the child's level of develop­ment, which can vary greatly among children of the same age. Development can be uneven, too, with a child's social development lagging behind his intel­lectual growth, or vice versa. In addition, "normal" behavior is in part deter­mined by the context in which it occurs—that is, by the particular situation and time, as well as by the child's own particular family values and expectations, and cultural and social background.

Understanding your child's unique developmental progress is necessary in order to interpret, accept, or adapt his behavior (as well as your own). Re­member, children have great individual variations of temperament, develop­ment, and behavior.

Your own parental responses are guided by whether you see the behavior as a problem. Frequently, parents overinterpret or overreact to a minor, nor­mal, short-term change in behavior. At the other extreme, they may ignore or downplay a serious problem. They also may seek quick, simple answers to what are, in fact, complex problems. All of these responses may create difficulties or prolong the time for a resolution.


The parents' own temperament, usual mood, and daily pressures will also influence how they interpret the child's behavior. Easygoing parents may ac­cept a wider range of behavior as normal and be slower to label something a problem, while parents who are by nature more stern move more quickly to discipline their children. Depressed parents, or parents having marital or financial difficulties, are less likely to tolerate much latitude in their offspring's behavior. Parents usually differ from one another in their own backgrounds and personal preferences, resulting in differing parenting styles that will influ­ence a child's behavior and development.

When children's behavior is complex and challenging, some parents find reasons not to respond. For instance, parents often rationalize ("It's not my fault"), despair ("Why me?"), wish it would go away ("Kids outgrow these problems anyway"), deny ("There's really no problem"), hesitate to take ac­tion ("It may hurt his feelings"), avoid ("I didn't want to face his anger"), or fear rejection ("He won't love me").


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