9 Common Behavioral Issues In Kids And When To Be Concerned (2024)

Image: Shutterstock

Parenting is a tough job; it requires compassion, kindness, affection, and loads of patience to raise a kid. But, one thing that most parents tend to often neglect is discipline, something that is not only applicable to the child but also holds true for the parents. It is ‘discipline’ that is essential to bring up an emotionally mature kid.

Does your little one get angry at the drop of a hat? Does he/she often lie to you? Has your child started using bad words already? If yes, then it is time to buckle up. Always remember that children are quick learners and most of what they learn is from their parents. They are constantly looking at you, often mimicking your actions and gestures. Here, we bring you some behavioral traits in kids that may not be a good sign and how you can help:

1. Constant Crying Or Irritable

If your kid is constantly crying for attention and is disturbing you intentionally, there are chances that you are not showering him/her with enough physical affection. Voila, this is your opportunity! Go give him/her a big, tight hug whenever you get a chance.

2. Lying Too Often

If you find your child often lying to you, even about the minutest of things, it is most likely that you have overreacted to his/her mistakes earlier. Kids are sensitive souls and lying is just their way of avoiding some shouting. Talk to them and let them know they it’s okay to make mistakes and the most important thing is owning up to it.

3. Low Self-Esteem

If you feel that your little one is not confident enough and has a low self-esteem, it might be because you impart an advice more than the words of encouragement. At a young age, children often look for motivation from their parents and can feel discouraged if that doesn’t happen.

4. Can’t Stand Up For Himself/Herself

If you feel that your kids don’t advocate for themselves, it is most probably due to being regularly disciplined in front of people. And, this also includes friends, siblings, or distant relatives. So, try and avoid that. If you notice something wrong, discipline them when both of you are alone.

5. Taking Stuff That Doesn’t Belong To Them

Have you ever noticed your little ones taking stuff that doesn’t belong to them, despite the fact that you never shy away from buying things for them? This might be because they don’t feel like they have a choice in what is bought for them. If you involve them in the shopping exercise, not only will they stop indulging in this habit but it will also be extra ‘fun’ time for both of you.

6. Are They Too Scared?

Do you feel that your children get scared too easily? At times, you might remove every hurdle from their path due to your protective instinct. But, this ends up making them feel inadequate. They may feel that they can’t cross any obstacle without your help. So, trust your little ones and let them take charge once in a while.

7. Feeling Of Envy

Do you think that your children often feel quite jealous? If you constantly compare your kids with others, this may end up happening. So, refrain from drawing a comparison with other kids, no matter how much you think it is for their own good.

8. Attention Seeker

If your kids are constantly throwing tantrums and getting angry, this may be because they don’t feel appreciated enough. Often, children misbehave as they feel that it is the only way to get their parents’ attention.

9. Not Considerate Of Others’ Feelings

If you feel that your kids don’t respect the feelings of their peers, it might be a result of you not paying heed to their feelings. It is always better to talk to them gently rather than giving them orders.

With all the parental instinct that flow in, make sure you trust your gut. But, at times, we don’t realize that our actions can result in doing more harm than good. After all, kids are delicate and sensitive souls. So, keep these few things in mind and we believe that you are good to go. Loads of luck!