Making Sense of Behavioural Issues and Their Challenges
For children and adults, behavioural challenges may look very different from each other. It may show up as defiance, quick to anger, or just lashing/acting out. For others, it might appear as withdrawal, anxiety, or shutting down. Often, these behaviours are not random.
They can be linked to underlying factors such as attention difficulties, past stressful or traumatic experiences, developmental differences, or challenges expressing thoughts and feelings effectively.
In many cases, behaviour is a way of communicating something that feels hard to put into words.
Common Behavioural Issues and Challenges
Children and adolescents may show a variety of behavioural challenges at different stages of development. Some behaviours can be part of normal growing up, but others may be persistent, disruptive, or distressing and benefit from support and structured strategies.
Common behavioural challenges include:
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
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- Many children test limits and push back occasionally. However, ongoing patterns of arguing with adults, refusing rules or tasks or vindictiveness, and frequent power struggles can be more than temporary frustration.
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- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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- Difficulties with maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity often lead to disruptive behaviour.
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- Emotional/Anxiety Disorders
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- Avoidance, clinginess, physical complaints, or school refusal may signal underlying anxiety.
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- Trauma-Related Issues
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- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause emotional outbursts, anger, and nightmares.
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- Aggression and Physical Acting Out
- Withdrawn or Avoidant Behaviour
- Developmental/Learning Struggles
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- Academic challenges and inability to communicate needs can lead to frustration, causing biting, screaming, or throwing objects.
Psychologists Experienced in Supporting Behavioural Issues & Concern
Practical Support for Parents and Carers from Logic Lounge
For many families and carers, behavioural challenges can feel overwhelming. t is common for children and adolescents to show behaviours like defiance, aggression, withdrawal, emotional outbursts, or refusal to cooperate.
Often, these behaviours are signs that a young person is struggling with emotional regulation, stress, frustration, or change.
You are not alone in this experience, and there are supportive ways forward for you and your family and/or loved one.
Common Contributing Factors
Parental Stress and Burnout
Raising children is deeply rewarding but also demanding. Many parents report high levels of stress, especially when juggling work, family responsibilities, sleep disruption and behaviour challenges at home.
Research suggests that parents of children under 18 tend to report higher levels of stress than adults without dependent children.
This kind of sustained stress can sometimes lead to parental burnout. When parents feel exhausted, emotionally numb, or overwhelmed by their parenting role, it can impact how conflicts and behaviours are managed in the family.
Co-Parenting Quality
How parents work together can influence how children manage emotions and relate to others. Research indicates that positive co-parenting is linked to better emotional regulation and more prosocial behaviour in children
Challenges in co-parenting, whether due to separation, differing parenting styles, or communication breakdowns, can make navigating behavioural issues more complex.
Developmental and Environmental Influences
Behaviour can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including developmental stages, sleep patterns, sensory needs, learning environments, peer relationships and stressors such as bullying or academic pressures. These factors may amplify behavioural responses in children and adolescents.
How Logic Lounge Can Support Your Family
At Logic Lounge, we work collaboratively with parents, carers, and young people to address behavioural challenges in ways that are respectful, personalised, and evidence-informed.
Our approach includes:
- A warm, non-judgmental space to explore your family’s situation.
- Guidance in emotional regulation, behaviour support, and communication strategies.
- Tailored support for parenting stress, co-parenting challenges, and life transitions.
We focus on building strengths, enhancing confidence, and supporting healthy family relationships without making promises about specific outcomes.
When to Consider Additional Support
While many behavioural patterns improve with consistent strategies and support, some situations may benefit from more targeted parenting support or psychological consultation. Consider seeking help if behaviours:
- Persistently interferes with daily functioning at home or school.
- Cause significant distress to your child or family.
- Occur alongside intense emotional struggles.
If you’d like to explore support options, we’re here to help.
Behavioural challenges can feel difficult, but they also offer opportunities for growth, connection, and deeper understanding within your family. With patience, strategies grounded in research and compassion, families can navigate behavioural issues with resilience.
If you would like a personalised plan to support your child and family, contact Logic Lounge today for a supportive conversation or book online.
