Topics · Nicosia
Behaviour problems in children and teenagers
Every child has hard days. But when outbursts, refusals and arguments become part of daily life, the whole family gets worn out. The good news is that there are ways to change the atmosphere at home.
When behaviour becomes a problem
Toddlers have tantrums and teenagers answer back. This is part of growing up. It is how children learn to express what they feel and test where the limits are.
Behaviour becomes a problem when it is more intense or more frequent than you would expect for the child's age, when it goes on for months, and when it makes life hard at home, at school or with friends. Often there is something behind it that the child cannot put into words: tiredness, anxiety, a change in the family, difficulties with learning or attention, or a developmental difficulty.
Signs you may notice
Some signs worth talking over with a professional if they keep going:
- Frequent, intense outbursts of anger, bigger than you would expect for their age
- Constantly refusing to follow rules at home or at school
- Aggression towards other children, siblings or adults
- Breaking things or often telling lies
- Repeated complaints from school
- A child who no longer seems happy, whatever rewards or consequences you try
What helps at home
International guidance, such as that from NICE, puts a lot of weight on supporting parents. This does not mean it is your fault. It means you are the most important people in your child's life and can make a real difference.
Steady routines, a few clear rules, calm and predictable consequences and, above all, relaxed time together all help. Try to ‘catch’ your child doing something good and tell them. And remember that you need support too. Parent exhaustion is very real.
How we can help
First, we try to understand what lies behind the behaviour. An assessment may be useful, to see whether there are other difficulties, for example with attention, learning or development. Then we work with your child, so they learn to understand and express their feelings, and with you as parents, in parent or family sessions.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia, we work with associates in psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special education where needed. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY, in Greek, English or Romanian.
Your first session
It often helps for you as parents to come first, to tell us what you are seeing, since when, and at which moments things get hardest. You can also bring anything the school has told you. Then we will agree together how best to meet your child, in a way that suits their age.
When to get help straight away
If your child is at risk of seriously hurting themselves or others, has been injured, or a situation gets out of control and someone is in danger, call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Is it our fault as parents?
Behaviour difficulties almost always have many causes. Asking for help shows that you care. In our sessions we are not looking for someone to blame, we are looking for what will help.
Could my child have ADHD?
This page cannot answer that. Only a careful assessment by professionals can show whether there is a diagnosis. If you are worried about it, we can talk it through.
How young can a child be to come?
We work with children and teenagers. With very young children, much of the work is often done with the parents. Call us and we can tell you what suits your situation.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- NICE: Antisocial behaviour and conduct disorders in children and young people (CG158)
- NHS: Temper tantrums
- World Health Organization: Mental health of adolescents
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.