Behavior

Articles In This Section

• Disciplining Your Child

  It's important to be consistent about discipline. If you don't stick to the rules and consequences, kids aren't likely to either. Find out how to vary your approach to fit your family.

• Teens Talk About Bullying (Video)

  Hear from teens who've been bullied - and what they did about it.

• Disciplining Your Child With Special Needs

  Here's how to set boundaries and communicate your expectations in a nurturing, loving way.

• Biting

  There are ways to get to the bottom of your toddler's biting habit. These steps can help.

• 5 Ways to Bully-Proof Your Kid

  Take the target off your kid's back with these smart tips.

• Help! My Toddler Won’t Go on the Potty!

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Breath-Holding Spells

  Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

• Helping Teens Who Cut

  Cutting isn't new, but this form of self-injury has been in the spotlight more in recent years. Learn more how to help a teen who cuts.

• Cutting

  Cutting isn't new, but this form of self-injury has been in the spotlight more in recent years. Learn more about it and ways to help a teen who cuts.

• Firesetting

  Kids often are curious about fire. So it's important for parents to educate them about the dangers of fire and keep them away from matches, lighters, and other fire-starting tools.

• Helping Kids Cope With Cliques

  With cliques prevalent in middle and high school, most kids encounter them at some point. Here's how parents can help kids maintain confidence and self-respect while negotiating cliques.

• Teaching Kids Not to Bully

  Whether bullying is physical or verbal, if it's not stopped it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behavior - and interfere with a child's success in school and ability to form and sustain friendships.

• Taming Tempers

  Controlling outbursts can be difficult for kids - and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for the parents who love them. But just about every child can improve with the right coaching.

• Sportsmanship

  One of the most important goals of kids' sports is helping children develop a sense of good sportsmanship. Here's how to set a good example for your kids.

• Soiling (Encopresis)

  If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

• Delayed Speech or Language Development

  Knowing what's "normal" and what's not in speech and language development can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule.

• Talking to Your Child About Drugs

  Just as you inoculate your kids against illnesses like measles, you can help "immunize" them against drug use by giving them the facts now.

• My Child Is Stealing

  Your child does homework on time, helps you clear the table, and even helps with housework. So can it be true that this same child is stealing? Before you react, know a little about why kids steal and where to get help.

• Pica

  Some young kids have the eating disorder pica, which is characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings to eat nonfood items.

• Steroids

  Get the facts about steroids, their side effects, and what can drive kids to try them. Being aware of the kinds of pressures kids deal with in sports can help you make sure that your child isn't at risk.

• About Teen Suicide

  When a teen commits suicide, everyone is affected. The reasons behind a suicide or attempted suicide can be complex, but often there are warning signs.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  All kids have worries and doubts. But some have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which their worries compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again.

• Kids and Smoking

  The health risks of tobacco are well known, yet every year many young people take up smoking. Here's how to help your kids avoid tobacco use - or quit, if they've already started.

• Your Child’s Habits

  Nail biting, hair twirling, thumb sucking, and nose picking - these childhood habits are common. Here's how to deal with them.

• What Is ADHD?

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioral disorder, but it can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to understand. Here's information about what to do if your child has ADHD.

• Toilet Teaching Your Child

  Even before your child is ready to try the potty, you can prepare your little one by teaching about the process. Here are some tips.

• Temper Tantrums

  Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Get the facts on managing - and preventing - temper tantrums.

• Teaching Your Child Self-Control

  Tantrums and outbursts can rile even the most patient parents. Helping kids learn self-control teaches them how to respond to situations without just acting on impulse.

• Kids and Alcohol

  As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol before it is legal for them to drink it. Here's what you need to know.

• Stuttering

  Many young kids go through a stage when they stutter. Stuttering usually goes away on its own but in some cases lasts longer.

• Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

  Unfortunately, bullying is a common part of childhood. But parents can help kids cope with it and lessen its lasting impact.

• A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Teen Years

  You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety?

• Binge Eating Disorder

  Kids who eat unusually large amounts of food - and feel guilty or secretive about it - could be struggling with binge eating disorder.

• Compulsive Exercise

  Even though exercise has many positive benefits, too much can be harmful. Teens who exercise compulsively are at risk for both physical and psychological problems.