Behavior Problems among kids are practically normative, but can raise concern when the issues involve serious or repeated rule breaking, outright defiance, anger outbursts, meltdowns, swearing, threats, or any behavior that causes a significant disruption to the child’s classroom or home life. These days, perhaps the most common triggers to defiance and outbursts involve screens/ tech access. Kids with low frustration tolerance, whether because of anxiety, stress, or neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities, have an incredibly hard time parting from their devices. There are lots of other ways that behavior problems can show up, however. Common expressions of defiance are listed below. We typically address behavior problems through parent coaching / consultation, as opposed to through direct work with the child. However, there are cases when it can be incredibly helpful for us to get to know the child or teen directly, which can allow us to better assess the situation and identify skills that the child may need to develop.    

Ways that behavior problems can show up:  

• Refusal to part with screen/tech devices*

• Screaming in response to adult requests

• Ignoring adult requests (“selective hearing”)

• Aggressive behavior

• Destructive behavior

• Swearing/ saying mean things

• Difficulty with transitions

• General noncompliance, rule breaking

• Meltdowns/ anger outbursts

• Arguments / endless negotiations

• Difficulty tolerating being told “no”

*Read about some ideas to address screentime challenges.

Child and Teen Solutions (CATS) is a mental health clinic based in Seattle, Washington. We are staffed by psychologists and therapists who specialize in children, teens, young adults, and parent coaching. We offer both in-person and telehealth services. Our office is located in the Madison Park neighborhood, near Lake Washington.