What To Do When Your Child's Behavior Goes Too Far

Justin was really excited to be in day camp, and his mom Sophie was happy that he was enrolled in a quality parks and recreation program in their community. Then came the phone call from the program director: Justin’s behavior at camp was unacceptable.

It had begun on the playground on the second day of camp with bullying of other children and foul language directed at a camp counsellor. The next day during arts and crafts, the 8-year-old had snatched another child’s artwork out of her hands, declared it to be “stupid,” and had torn it into tiny pieces. On day four, Justin’s group went swimming and he pushed a girl on the pool deck causing her to slip and fall. The program director had seen enough.

“We have given Justin time outs, we have talked to him numerous times about his behavior, and we have done our best to manage him, but he is making camp unsafe for the other children,” the director told Sophie. “Enough is enough. Justin is not welcome in this program any longer.”

The news was devastating to Sophie but hardly surprising. Justin had always been a difficult child: he was highly explosive, easy to anger, and very unpredictable. He frustrated easily and was overly sensitive to criticism. Other children kept their distance — often at the instruction of their parents — and Justin was no longer invited to birthday parties or on play dates.

Sophie had tried everything she knew to help Justin with his behavioral challenges but it wasn’t working. She also knew that Justin needed more help than she alone could give, and had to figure out a way to effectively advocate for him before it was too late.

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to seek some outside help.

Here are five steps parents can take to effectively advocate for their child with emotional or behavioral issues:

1. Don’t Wait — Act now

Even though parents believe that they are responsible for their child’s well-being, they’re often unsure of what to do when serious behavioral issues arise. As a result, they wait to seek help and the child’s behavior gets worse, often resulting in negative, long-term consequences. Talking to supportive family, friends, teachers, or other adults can be a good first step to getting a plan in place.

2. Talk To Your Pediatrician

Frequent emotional outbursts and volatile, disruptive behavior are not typical and may be a sign that something else is going on. Make an appointment with your pediatrician and discuss whether it might be appropriate to consider having an evaluation done. Understanding the symptoms and potential medical causes can be a positive step toward helping your child.

3. Learn the Language

Your son or daughter may have frequent emotional and behavioral challenges, but these should not define the child. Despite the stigma often attached to mental health issues and emotional and behavioral challenges, consider what help your child needs. Speak up for your child. Learn what his or her triggers are as well as your child’s strengths. Understand the treatments and medication options that might be suggested. Most importantly, help others to understand these challenges, including teachers, neighbors, and your own family.

4. Enlist Allies

You aren’t in this alone; others will help if you ask. Sophie did the right thing when she enlisted her friend Allison to help. Allison brought her son Matt over to Sophie’s house where the two boys could play and their moms could closely supervise the activities. There was a minor disagreement over a toy — nothing out of the ordinary for two boys entering the third grade. The dispute was resolved with Sophie’s help, and the play date went well. Sophie had stepped out of her comfort zone, asked for help, and effectively advocated for her son.

5. Take Care of Yourself!