Nowadays, perhaps more than before, many parents find themselves worrying trying to differentiate between what is considered to be 'normal' levels of 'naughtiness' and when their child's behaviour could be a sign of a behavioural or emotional problem. A few weeks ago I was asked to answer a few questions by Ramona Depares regarding behavioural disorders,when parents should start to worry, what are the symptoms and how they may access help and support.
As a parent, especially a new parent, one might find it difficult to know when to look for professional help or when there should be a cause for concern. A few years ago children who had many behavioural, social and emotional difficulties were not given the attention they needed because their behaviour was struck of as being 'naughty', 'lazy' or 'an attention seeker'. Today there is more information on the matter and many parents and teachers are recognising symptoms early which is helping children get the treatment they need. However I worry at times, that ordinary naughtiness might be misconstrued by worried as parents as symptoms of ADHD. I often hear people saying " Il-hin kollu joqmos dat-tifel, dak zgur ADHD" (that boy is always fidgeting, he's ADHD for sure". Sometimes it is important to realise that certain behaviours are a normal part of growing up, especially while the child is trying to form his or her identity in this world.The feature also looks at possible reasons as to why some children engage in chronic lying and how parents might be able to handle this. If you have any experiences you would like to share please leave a comment below.
Below please find the featured interview by Ramona Depares that was published in the parenting section of the Sunday Times last weekend.
Press link to view full feature "On their worst behaviour"
Written by
Dr. Stephanie Bartolo
HCPC registered counselling psychologist (U.K)
Psychologist (under supervision) (Malta)
