Introduction
Behavioral problems are not a physical or mental illness as such, but they can put a massive strain on the child and its environment. Without professional help, the development and school performance of many children suffer from their symptoms, which can lead to problems later in adult and professional life. The treatment focuses on behavioral and psychotherapies that involve the family and possibly also the teachers, thus training the child and its environment.
Who offers therapies?
Help is offered from many different sides, for example by educators and teachers, by school psychologists, by private parent groups, but also by doctors and child psychologists or psychotherapists, who can usually provide the most competent treatment. In principle, however, depending on the cause of the behavioral disorder, different approaches make sense and can be carried out by different agencies. Not every provider is sufficiently professional, so the first point of contact should be a specialized doctor, psychologist/psychotherapist or an experienced pedagogue. In the case of only slightly pronounced behavioral problems, it may be sufficient to train the parents and educators/teachers, who will then treat the child with their own behavioral measures; in more severe cases, the whole family will receive psychotherapeutic care. In the case of escalation, the children can also be treated as inpatients, the therapy is then carried out by specialized clinics.
Which doctor is responsible for children and adolescents with behavioral problems?
In general, the pediatrician can initiate treatment, but in most cases refers the patient to a child psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Depending on the degree of the behavioral disorder, these specialists are the right people to contact and carry out precise diagnostics and competent therapy. In addition, alternative practitioners, osteopaths or other alternative medical practitioners can provide assistance.
How can children and young people with behavioural problems be encouraged?
Children put their behavioral problems aside when positive behavior is encouraged instead of negative behavior being punished. This does not mean that unwanted behavior should be simply accepted. Clear rules are established and consequences are drawn when these rules are broken.
However, it must be made clear to the children that they will not get what they want through conspicuous behavior. Parents and educators must show them the advantages of appropriate behavior that they can otherwise miss or be deprived of, such as participation in community activities. Even if it is difficult, adults must focus on the child’s abilities and talents instead of reducing the child to its negative behavior and labeling it a “problem child”.
Often these children and adolescents encounter much more rejection than confirmation, which reinforces their behavioral problems and makes them lose motivation for positive behavior. In order to ensure efficient support, it is therefore necessary to deal with the child in detail and to work out its strengths. Based on his or her talents, the child can then take on different roles in a social group, e.g. as part of a soccer team, a band or a youth group.
This aims to strengthen the child’s self-esteem and encourage him to develop new behaviors of his own accord. Unfortunately, many adults feel overwhelmed and become impatient. A constructive conversation cannot develop in this way, especially if the relationship with the child has been problematic for some time and the behavior is deeply rooted.
The principles of dealing with children and adolescents with behavioral problems are therefore to remain calm, set clear rules and enforce consequences, praise positive behavior and encourage independent behavior. Unfortunately, there is usually no immediate noticeable effect. However, as long as the adults keep at it, the chances of success are high because children are clever and accept changes quickly to their advantage. However, this support only makes sense if parents and teachers or other adult caregivers of the child support each other and set uniform rules. Therefore, the first step in promoting the child is always to train the parents and teachers.