Common Problems While Raising Your Kids (1)

By: Yassmine ElSayed

CAIRO, Dec. 17 (SEE) – Raising kids is always a exhausting phase.. Perhaps more for mothers, who are almost dealing with every detail of the whole thing.

Certainly kids differ.. No one is similar to another, but experts could conclude a set of common problems for all kids.

In a recent piece at blog “verywellfamily.com”, Amy Morin, LCSW, provides some key behavioral challenges that you will have to face. Don’t worry.. She provides as well the discipline strategies to change your child's behavior.

Generally, child behavior problems are best addressed with consistent discipline strategies.

This might be decisive, because if you rule out responding to behavioral problems, the misbehaving would continue, but may affect their lives even more in the future.

Morin stated that whether you're raising an energetic daughter or you're dealing with a strong-willed son, there are certain child behavior problems that are common at one point or another. The way you respond to these behavior problems play a major role in how likely your child is to repeat them in the future.

1. Lying

There are three main reasons kids lie; to get attention, to avoid getting in trouble, and to feel better about themselves. Distinguishing the reason for the lie can help you determine the best course of action.

When you catch your child in a lie, ask, "Is that what really happened or what you wish would have happened?" Give your child an extra consequence for lying.

Emphasize the importance of honesty by creating a household rule that says, "Tell the truth."

Praise your kids when they tell the truth—especially when the truth could get them in trouble.

2. Defiance

Whether your kids ignore you when you tell them to pick up their toys or say, "No!" when you tell them to stop banging toys on the floor, defiance is difficult behavior to address. But, it’s normal for kids to test limits at one time or another.

When your child is defiant, offer a single if...then warning. Say, "If you don't pick up your toys right now, then you won't be able to go watch TV tonight."

If your child doesn't comply after the warning, follow through with a consequence. With consistency, your child will learn to listen the first time you speak.

3. Too Much Screen Time

Another common child behavior problem is constantly trying to be connected to digital devices. Whether your kids scream when you tell them to shut off the TV or play a game on your phone whenever you're not looking, too much screen isn't healthy.

Establish clear rules for screen time. If your child becomes too dependent on electronics for entertainment, dial back the screen time even more.

Take away electronics when your child breaks the rules and be a healthy role model. Consider establishing a family-wide digital detox every once in a while to ensure that everyone is able to function without their devices.

4. Food-Related Problems

Whether you’ve got a picky eater on your hands or your child claims to be hungry every 10 minutes, food-related issues can lead to power struggles if you’re not careful.

Proactively work to help your children develop a healthy attitude about food. Make it clear that food is meant to fuel your child's body, not to comfort them when they are sad or entertain when they’re bored.

Avoid saying things like, "vegetables are healthy." Kids tend to think healthy food tastes bad. Instead, talk about how delicious vegetables and other nutritious foods are.

And don't feel like you need to become a short-order cook to keep everyone happy at meal times. Serve one meal healthy for everyone and set limits on snacking. If your kids are  hungry, they'll eat what you serve.

5. Disrespectful Behavior

Name calling, throwing things, and mocking you are just a few of the common behavior problems that show disrespect. If it’s not addressed appropriately, disrespectful behavior is likely to get worse with time.

If your child's intent is get your attention, ignoring can be the best course of action. Make it clear that sticking her tongue out at you from the across the room isn't going to get the reaction she's looking for.

It's important to give immediate consequences for most disrespectful behaviors, however. If your kids call you a name, for example, take away a privilege or send them to time-out.