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Children and Teens

Parenting can be a deeply rewarding experience. It’s also one of life’s greatest challenges. All parents share frustration about raising their children. Understanding appropriate behavior for your child’s age is particularly important.

Young children are naturally aggressive as they discover who they are. They count on you to teach them self control. When you set firm, consistent limits about behavior they learn what’s expected and what’s not permitted.

Generally, you can influence your child by ignoring behavior that is inappropriate and by reinforcing behavior that is good. Encourage your child to use words to express anger, instead of biting, kicking and hitting.

And don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help with issues like potty training, eating problems and bedtime.

School-age children are busy developing the skills they’ll need to live independently from home later in life. They continue to depend on parents for food, safety, shelter and unconditional love but increasingly they seek approval from others.

A child in the middle years knows the difference between what is right and wrong. Temperament is fairly well defined but a lot depends on how comfortably your child fits in with the environment and people around him. Bullying, truancy, withdrawl, friendlessness clowning and picking fights are behaviors that may be a cry for help.

Most children are still preoccupied with having fun at a young age. Responsibilities and chores teach them that life requires work, not just play. As your child is introduced to the world of competition and challenges watch for signs of cheating or lying, often a child’s response to unreal expectations.

Knowing your young child’s demeanor can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts later on.

Adolescence and teens may be biologically developed but they are not emotionally mature. They are still influenced by their parents but media, culture and friends are gaining ground.

From age 12 – 21, adolescent children are learning to be responsible for their own decisions – qualities we expect from adults in the world. But it’s important to separate negative, defiant teen behavior from a conduct disorder that persistently violates the rights of others without concern or empathy.

Teen years can be stressful but parents remain responsible for keeping the family strong. It’s OK for adolescents to disagree with the rules but it should be clear that, while in your home, they may not always get a vote.

Keep the information open, and let your doctor know if your child has any of these symptoms:

Your doctor can also help you find local groups that can help you learn better parenting skills.

KidsGrowth.com
www.kidsgrowth.com

American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org

American Academy of Pediatricians
www.aap.org