Raising children is difficult, and raising difficult children can be life disrupting. But being able to tell whether your child is just going through a stage, this range of disorders may be caused by a number of factors such as parenting style which is inconsistent or contradictory, family or marital problems, child abuse or neglect, overindulgence, injury or chronic illness, separation or bereavement, if something is really wrong isn’t always that easy.
A tantrum doesn’t automatically mean your 2-year-old has a problem with authority, and a kindergartner who doesn’t want to sit still doesn’t necessarily have an attention disorder. When it comes to understanding our children’s behavior, experts say diagnoses and labels should be kept to a minimum.

Defining “Disorders”

Child psychology experts from the University of Oxford and University of Pittsburgh say that the term “disorder” should be used cautiously for children up to 5 years old, and question its validity. Professors Frances Gardner and Daniel S. Shaw say the evidence is limited that problems in preschool indicate problems later in life, or that behavioral issues are evidence of a true disorder. “There are concerns about distinguishing normal from abnormal behavior in this period of rapid developmental change,” they wrote.
That being said, a conservative approach to handling behavioral and emotional issues in this age group is best.
What is it?
There are several types of behavioural disorders, including:
  • Oppositional defiant disorder
  • Conduct disorder
  • Intermittent explosive disorder
  • Kleptomania
  • Pyromania and others

These disorders affect the way a child or youth acts or behaves. Some people think a child or youth with a behavioural disorder is “bad” and may even blame a parent for their child’s behaviour. But these disorders are real problems that affect many children and youth. Fortunately, there are many different treatments and things to try at home.


What is normal Behaviour?
It’s normal for children and youth to act out from time to time. They may seem grumpy or angry when they’re tired, upset or feeling a lot of stress. It’s also normal for children and youth to act out more than usual during certain times in their life. Preschool-aged children and teens in particular may seem keen to disobey or talk back. This is a normal part of growing up.

How do I know?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The signs of oppositional defiant disorder include very angry and negative behaviors that: 
  • Last for many months (usually 6 months)
  • Happen often
  • Cause a lot of problems in the child or youth’s life
With this disorder, a child or youth may often:
  • Be angry and irritable
  • Argue with parents, teachers and other adults
  • Be mean, hurtful, spiteful or vindictive
You can usually see signs of oppositional defiant disorder before a child is eight years old. It starts slowly and gradually. Parents may notice the signs at home first, but the disorder may start to affect other parts of the child or youth’s life, such as school. This disorder does not usually start after the early teenage years.
The length of time that symptoms last is different for everyone. Many children and youth recover, but some may go on to develop conduct disorder or another mental health disorder.
Before puberty, more boys than girls have the disorder. After puberty, it’s more equal between boys and girls.