All kids are going to act up, throw tantrums and be irritable at times; however, if your child is displaying negative actions regularly, you may wonder if there is something more going on.
Is This Normal Behavior?
Common behavior issues include being defiant, lying, whining, impulsivity, issues around bedtime or food, anger, and temper tantrums. You may want to seek professional help if these behaviors continue regardless of discipline, affect schoolwork or social interactions, or aren’t appropriate for their age.
Behaviors that are not normal and should be a cause for concern include aggressive or violent behavior, harm to self or others, hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, breaking rules or skipping school, sudden extreme behavioral changes, or showing no remorse.
How can a pediatrician help?
If your pediatrician believes a developmental, neurological, or mental health disorder could be to blame, they may recommend additional testing and evaluations, then create a custom treatment plan and refer your child to therapists or other specialists as needed.