Children With Behavior Problems or Emotional Difficulties Who May Be:

Sometimes your child may act out with inappropriate or problem behaviors, or become anxious or withdrawn for what seems like no reason at all. As your child grows, he or she will encounter stressful events that may lead to emotional or behavioral difficulties.

• overly argumentative or oppositional
• defiant or disobedient
• hyperactive, impulsive, or having difficulty concentrating
• disruptive in the classroom
• verbally aggressive (name-calling, teasing, mocking, humiliating, threatening, intimidating, blaming, or resenting others excessively)
• angry or hostile much of the time
• exhibiting frequent temper tantrums or low frustration tolerance
• physically aggressive (hitting, kicking, biting, hurting, or fighting with others)
• damaging or destroying things
• overcome with worries or fears, either general or specific
• avoiding certain people, places and things because of fears or worries
• having difficulties falling or staying asleep or suffering from nightmares or night terrors
• having problems making or keeping friends
• struggling with shyness and social anxiety
• experiencing difficulties going to school or are refusing to go to school
• struggling with being away from parents
• excessively "clingy" to parents or other adults
• exhibiting frequent headaches or stomach aches
• having difficulties with toileting, or are wetting or soiling clothing or bedding
• excessively sad, pessimistic, or suffering from low moods
• suffering from low self-esteem or feelings of inferiority
• withdrawing from people or activities previously enjoyed
• making negative self-statements or exhibiting self-destructive behaviors
• unable to remember certain events, unusually forgetful or confused about things, or going into a daze