Be Our Partner! Book a Free Consultation Now! Become a Member > Get Involved >
Health Conditions > Health Articles > Find a Practitioner > Events >

Home  /  Health Conditions  /  Behavior Problems in Children

Behavior Problems in Children

All children test limits, argue and have meltdowns sometimes. When anger, defiance or aggression is far beyond what is typical for a child’s age, keeps going and causes real trouble at home or school, it may be a behavior disorder — and there is good, practical help for the whole family.

If your child talks about suicide or hurting themselves, or is a danger to themselves or others, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online. It is free, confidential and open 24/7 (988 Lifeline, CDC). If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 (Child Welfare Information Gateway).

If you think a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD), by call or text. Professional crisis counselors answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages, and calls are confidential (Child Welfare Information Gateway, U.S. HHS, Childhelp).

Typical behavior, or something more?

Many children sometimes argue, act aggressive, or seem angry or defiant with adults and other children. Testing limits is part of healthy development and does not, on its own, mean a child has a disorder (CDC). Some patterns are expected at certain ages:

  • Toddlers and preschoolers: tantrums are a normal part of development and happen most often between ages 1 and 3. They tend to ease after age 3, though they don’t disappear completely. Temperament, hunger and tiredness all play a part (American Academy of Pediatrics).
  • Ages 2–3 and early adolescence: arguing, talking back and defying adults are typical at these ages, especially when a child is tired, hungry, stressed or upset (AACAP).

A behavior disorder may be considered when the behavior is unusual for the child’s age, lasts over time, or is severe (CDC) — when it is frequent and persistent compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and disrupts family, social or school life (AACAP).

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

ODD is a pattern of acting out that causes serious problems at home, at school or with peers. It usually starts before age 8, and no later than about age 12, and is often aimed at the people a child knows best, such as family, caregivers or teachers. A child with ODD is often angry or loses their temper, argues with adults or refuses their rules, is resentful or spiteful, deliberately annoys others or is easily annoyed, and blames others for their own mistakes (CDC). MedlinePlus notes the pattern must last at least 6 months and go beyond ordinary childhood misbehavior (MedlinePlus). The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) estimates that 1 to 16 percent of school-age children and teens have ODD (AACAP).

Conduct disorder

Conduct disorder is an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others and serious breaking of rules or social norms, which can involve breaking the law. It can be diagnosed earlier but commonly develops in the teen years, and some children with ODD go on to develop it. Signs include running away, staying out at night or skipping school; bullying, fighting or cruelty to animals; deliberately damaging property or setting fires; and stealing, lying or breaking into homes or businesses (CDC). AACAP notes that these young people are often seen as delinquent rather than as having a mental health condition, and that early, comprehensive treatment gives a child a better chance of real improvement (AACAP).

How common are behavior problems?

CDC reports that in 2023–2024, 8% of U.S. children aged 3–17 had a current, diagnosed behavior disorder — 10% of boys and 5% of girls, based on the National Survey of Children’s Health (CDC). Behavior problems often travel with ADHD: in 2022 data, almost half of children with ADHD also had a behavior or conduct problem, and about 4 in 10 had anxiety (CDC).

What causes it, and what else may be going on

No single cause is known; biological and social factors both seem to play a part (CDC). Many parents say their child was more rigid and demanding than their siblings from early on (AACAP). CDC links a higher risk to experiencing or witnessing violence or neglect, exposure to criminal behavior, maltreatment or harsh or inconsistent parenting, and parents living with conditions such as depression, substance use disorders or ADHD (CDC). These are risk factors, not blame: families under stress deserve support, and many of these factors can be changed.

Difficult behavior is often a sign that something else needs attention. Experts recommend checking for:

Symptoms may be hard to improve until these conditions are treated too (AACAP).

When to seek help, and how evaluation works

Talk with your child’s health care provider when behavior is severe and persistent and gets in the way of school, home or play (CDC). You can also share concerns with your child’s teacher (CDC). The first step is usually a conversation with a provider, who may refer you for a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional (CDC), such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist (AACAP, MedlinePlus).

Clinicians use the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual (DSM) (CDC). A good evaluation gathers information from the child, the family and teachers (AACAP) and looks for conditions with similar behavior, such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disorders and substance use (MedlinePlus).

Start early. Treatment works best when it starts early and fits your particular child and family (CDC). For younger children, training for parents has the strongest evidence; for school-age children and teens, a mix of training and therapy involving the child, family and school is commonly used (CDC). Needing help is not a parenting failure — it is how families get unstuck.

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) A full evaluation, then behavior therapy with parent training as the first step (programs such as PCIT, Triple P and Incredible Years), family and child therapy for older children and teens, school supports (an IEP or 504 plan), and treatment of co-occurring ADHD, anxiety or depression. Medicines only for co-occurring conditions or, rarely, severe aggression. Free CDC parenting resources online; some community programs offer free classes; Medicaid covers medically necessary mental health care for enrolled children under 21; school evaluations and early intervention are free or reduced-cost. Private therapy commonly runs about $80–$200 a session; sliding-scale family sessions $40–$80. Parent training typically takes 8–16 sessions and works best when parents practice at home. Change takes time and treatment is rarely brief, but early, consistent help gives children a much better chance.
Chiropractic Being researched — coming soon.
Acupuncture Being researched — coming soon.
Herbal medicine No herb or supplement is proven to treat behavior problems. Omega-3 fish-oil supplements have been studied for aggression and antisocial behavior. Cost estimate being researched. Omega-3 studies show at most a small, inconsistent effect, and NCCIH says it is uncertain whether omega-3s help ADHD. Supplements can cause side effects and interactions; talk with your child’s doctor first and never use them instead of proven care.
Massage therapy Being researched — coming soon.
MBHA Wellness Coach Family-centered coaching: positive attention and specific praise, predictable routines, clear limits with calm, consistent consequences, time-outs done well, sleep, screen-time plans, daily physical activity, parent self-care and support, and working with your child’s school. Cost estimate being researched. CDC’s Essentials for Parenting is free online. Supports, but doesn’t replace, parent training and your child’s health and school team. Small, consistent changes at home can make everyday life calmer.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

The best help for behavior problems is not a pill but a plan — one that strengthens the parent–child relationship, teaches new skills and brings home, school and health care together. Parents and doctors should coordinate with everyone involved in a child’s care, including teachers, coaches and therapists (CDC).

1. Parent training: the first step

For younger children, behavior therapy training for parents has the strongest evidence: a therapist teaches parents ways to strengthen their relationship with their child and respond to behavior (CDC). In parent training, parents learn to use positive reinforcement, daily structure and consistent discipline, practice positive ways of communicating with their child, and do assigned activities at home. Parents typically attend 8–16 sessions (CDC). For children under 6 with ADHD, CDC calls it the recommended first choice of treatment (CDC).

Several named programs have been rated by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), which grades programs on the strength of their research (CEBC):

  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), for children aged 2 to 7 with behavior and parent–child relationship problems. Parents practice play and behavior-management skills with their child while a therapist coaches them live, often through a small earpiece from behind a one-way mirror. It averages about 14 weekly sessions (range 10–20). CEBC rates it 1, “well-supported by research evidence” (CEBC).
  • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, Level 4, for parents of children from birth to 12 with moderate to severe behavioral or emotional difficulties. It is offered one-to-one, in groups, online or as a self-directed workbook, usually over 2–3 months, and is also rated 1 (CEBC).
  • The Incredible Years Preschool Basic Parent Program, a group course using video examples, discussion and role play for parents of children aged 3 to 6 with high rates of conduct problems, ADHD or developmental delay. Groups meet weekly for 14–20 weeks. CEBC rates it 3, “promising research evidence” (CEBC).
  • For preteens and teens: CEBC also gives its top rating to programs such as Connect (a 10-week group for caregivers of children aged 8 to 19 with serious behavior problems), Multisystemic Therapy, Functional Family Therapy and Problem-Solving Skills Training (CEBC, CEBC). AACAP describes Multisystemic Therapy, a home-based program, as effective for both the child and family (AACAP).

When choosing a therapist, ask whether they teach positive reinforcement, structure and consistent discipline; whether they will give you activities to practice at home; and whether you will meet regularly to track progress and adjust the plan (CDC). Look for someone trained or certified in a proven program (CDC).

2. Therapy for the child and family

Other options include individual therapy for anger management, family therapy to improve communication, problem-solving skills training and social skills training (AACAP). For school-age children and teens, a commonly used effective approach combines training and therapy involving the child, family and school (CDC). For conduct disorder, treatment is rarely brief, because building new attitudes and patterns of behavior takes time (AACAP).

3. School supports

  • Under age 3: if you have concerns about your child’s development, you can ask your state’s early intervention program for a free evaluation — no doctor’s referral is needed. Services are free or reduced-cost for eligible children (CDC).
  • Age 3 and older: call any local public elementary school and ask for an evaluation for special education services (CDC). Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible children aged 3–21 receive a free appropriate public education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (ECTA Center).
  • IEP or 504 plan: an IEP provides individualized special education; a Section 504 plan changes the learning environment so a child can take part in school as fully as other students. Which one a child gets depends on eligibility. Supports can include positive reinforcement, breaks or movement time, fewer distractions and help staying organized (CDC).
  • Behavior at school: for children with ADHD, the AAP recommends teacher-led behavior therapy, such as rewards or a daily report card, and CDC notes that positive rather than punitive discipline helps (CDC). Federal guidance says that using Section 504 to identify and meet a student’s behavioral, social, emotional and academic needs can help prevent disability-related behavior that might otherwise lead to discipline (Center for Parent Information and Resources).

4. Treating co-occurring conditions

Treating ADHD, anxiety, depression or learning problems alongside the behavior can make a big difference (AACAP, AACAP). See our ADD & ADHD, Anxiety and Autism guides.

5. Medicines

No medicine treats ODD or conduct disorder on its own. Medicine may help with distressing symptoms and co-occurring conditions (AACAP, MedlinePlus), for example attention problems, impulsivity or depression (AACAP). We describe medicines by type only — your child’s prescriber chooses the medicine and dose.

  • ADHD medicines (stimulants and non-stimulants) can help children and teens with ADHD and are safe under a provider’s supervision; side effects such as sleep problems or slowed growth can usually be managed (NIMH).
  • Antidepressants may be used for co-occurring anxiety or depression. Children, teens and young adults under 25 may have more suicidal thoughts or behavior when starting one or changing the dose, so they should be watched closely, especially early on (NIMH).

A caution about antipsychotic medicines. Antipsychotics are sometimes prescribed for children with severe aggression or dangerous behavior. Experts agree that, outside a crisis, behavior therapy and parent training should be tried first. In children these medicines can cause weight gain, higher blood sugar and cholesterol, hormonal changes and movement problems that can be permanent, so a child taking one needs regular checks of weight, blood pressure and blood tests (Child Mind Institute). Antipsychotics should not be stopped suddenly; tapering should be gradual and supervised (Child Mind Institute).

Never stop or change any prescribed medicine on your own, even if your child seems better — make a plan with the prescriber (NIMH).

What it costs

  • Free help to start: CDC’s Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers is a free online resource for parents of children aged 2 to 4 (CDC).
  • Free local classes (Monterey County): Community Human Services offers free weekly online parenting classes, in English and Spanish, using Connect, for parents and caregivers of children aged 8 to 18. Registration is through its Family Service Centers in Salinas, (831) 757-7915, and Seaside, (831) 394-4622 (Community Human Services). Connect is one of the programs CEBC rates most highly (CEBC).
  • Medicaid: through its Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, Medicaid covers screening, diagnosis and treatment for enrolled children under 21, including mental health screening. Necessary care must be made available for all physical and mental illnesses or conditions; each state decides medical necessity case by case (Medicaid.gov).
  • Schools and early intervention: special education under IDEA is a free appropriate public education (ECTA Center), and early intervention is free or reduced-cost for eligible children (CDC).
  • Therapy without insurance: the nonprofit Open Path Collective puts typical U.S. market rates at about $80–$200 a session. Its network offers sliding-scale individual sessions of $40–$70 and couples or family sessions of $40–$80, after a one-time $65 membership fee, for people without insurance or adequate mental health coverage (Open Path Collective).
  • Private PCIT, Triple P or Incredible Years programs and prescription medicines: MBHA cost estimate being researched.

How well it works — what to expect

Some children respond well to treatment and others don’t (MedlinePlus). Without treatment, many young people with conduct disorder struggle as adults, but early treatment offers a better chance of considerable improvement and a more successful future (AACAP). Childhood mental health conditions can be treated and managed, and early diagnosis and access to services can make a difference (CDC).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

No herb or dietary supplement has been shown to treat ODD, conduct disorder or everyday behavior problems. NCCIH says that, overall, the evidence for complementary approaches in children is generally not strong enough to show what works (NCCIH).

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Omega-3 supplements are the most-studied nutritional approach for aggression. A 2025 Campbell systematic review of nutritional interventions for children and youth with above-average aggression or antisocial behavior found that omega-3 supplements had a small benefit that was not consistent across outcomes; the effect on antisocial behavior became negligible once lower-quality studies were removed, and the authors concluded that the evidence is not conclusive. Broad changes to overall diet quality showed more consistent benefits than any single supplement (Campbell systematic review, 2025). For ADHD, NCCIH says it is uncertain whether omega-3s help (NCCIH). Side effects are usually mild, such as an unpleasant taste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea or diarrhea (NCCIH). Check with your child’s health care provider before giving an omega-3 supplement (NCCIH).

Supplements and children: be careful

  • “Natural” does not necessarily mean safe, and supplements are less tightly regulated than medicines. Some contain contaminants such as drugs, chemicals or metals, or don’t match their labels (NCCIH).
  • Supplements can interact with medicines or cause side effects of their own. St. John’s wort, for example, interacts with many medicines, including antidepressants (NCCIH).
  • About 4,600 children go to the emergency room each year because of supplements, most after taking a vitamin or mineral unsupervised. Child-resistant packaging isn’t required, so keep them out of children’s sight and reach (NCCIH, NCCIH).
  • Children may be more vulnerable than adults to allergic or other reactions (NCCIH).

Before you try any herb or supplement for your child, make sure your child has an accurate diagnosis, ask the provider about benefits and risks, and tell all of your child’s providers what you use. Don’t use a product in place of, or to delay, proven care, and don’t give more or for longer than recommended (NCCIH). We don’t list doses here.

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

An MBHA Wellness Coach can help your family put proven parenting skills into daily practice, build healthy routines and find support. Coaching complements, but never replaces, parent training and your child’s health and school team. Many of the skills below come from CDC’s free Essentials for Parenting materials (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Lead with positive attention

  • Attention is a parent’s most powerful tool, so use it for the behavior you want to see. “Catch them being good” and praise specific behavior and effort (AAP).
  • Positive attention — praise, hugs, pats on the back, high-fives — and rewards show your child they have done something you like; use them as much as possible for behaviors you want repeated (CDC).
  • Praise and reward flexibility and cooperation, and choose your battles (AACAP).

Clear routines and rules

  • Build routines around the important parts of the day, such as waking up, mealtimes and bedtime; keep them short and playful for young children, and explain changes when your child is calm (CDC).
  • Set clear, consistent, age-appropriate limits your child can understand, and plan ahead for hard situations (AAP, AACAP).
  • “Say what you mean and mean what you say”: respond the same way every time, whatever your mood (CDC).

Calm, consistent consequences

Time-outs done well (and “time-in”)

  • When: time-out is for dangerous or harmful behavior, breaking a family rule, or not following a direction after a warning (CDC).
  • How: give one calm warning, stated as a fact rather than a question. If the behavior continues, follow through: a short time-out in a boring spot away from toys and screens, never a closet or a dark room. CDC and the AAP suggest about one minute per year of age as a rule of thumb. When your child has been quiet for a few seconds at the end, remind them of the rule, then praise the next good thing they do (CDC, AAP).
  • Time-in for meltdowns: when a child is upset, anxious or overwhelmed rather than misbehaving, CDC suggests “time-in” — first meet any need such as hunger or tiredness, then stay close, name the feeling and help your child calm down (CDC).

Sleep, screens and physical activity

  • Sleep: CDC recommends 10–13 hours (including naps) for children aged 3–5, 9–12 hours for ages 6–12 and 8–10 hours for teens aged 13–17. Keep the same bedtime and wake time every day and put screens away at least half an hour before bed (CDC). Hunger and tiredness can also trigger tantrums (AAP).
  • Screens: the AAP suggests a Family Media Plan, screen-free bedrooms and mealtimes, screen-free time in the hour before bed, watching together, and parents modeling healthy habits. It notes that for very young children, misuse of digital media can lead to more angry outbursts and fewer chances to build patience and self-control (AAP).
  • Move every day: preschoolers should be active throughout the day, and children and teens aged 6–17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily (CDC). Activity improves attention and memory and reduces the risk of depression (CDC).

Take care of yourself, too

Parenting a child with challenging behavior is hard work. Keep up your own interests, get support from your partner, teachers and coaches, and manage stress with exercise, relaxation and respite care when you need it (AACAP). Hand off to another adult when your frustration rises (AAP). A parent’s own depression, substance use or ADHD is linked to a higher risk of behavior problems (CDC), so getting help for yourself is part of helping your child. Your state’s Parent Training and Information Center, one of nearly 100 across the U.S., helps families of children with disabilities take an effective part in their children’s education (Center for Parent Information and Resources).

Working with your child’s school

If things ever feel unsafe, call or text 988 (988 Lifeline), or call 911 in an emergency.

Still being researched: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage therapy. We add each approach once its costs and results are sourced. Are you a practitioner with experience treating Behavior Problems in Children? Tell us.

Member stories

Living with Behavior Problems in Children? Share your experience

Real experiences help others choose. Tell us what you tried — conventional medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs, massage or coaching — what it cost and what changed.

No stories have been published for this condition yet. Yours could be the first.

Which approaches have you tried?

What did you try, what did it cost, and what changed for you? Please leave out anything you’d rather keep private.

We read every story before it’s published and may shorten it. Stories describe one person’s experience; results vary. See our Privacy Policy.

Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

Find the right practitioner

Search MBHA’s Health Directory for doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists across the Monterey Bay.

Search the Directory All Health Conditions

The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. We strongly recommend that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition. MBHA provides administrative support, education and navigation — not medical, legal or tax advice — and cannot guarantee claim, billing or fundraising outcomes. MBHA is not an emergency service: in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.