Major Childhood Problems

MAJOR CHILDHOOD PROBLEMS

A child’s development is usually continuous, but temporary pauses may occur. Common disorders of the children are.

Behavioural problems

Children abandoned by their families present severe social and health problems.

Definition

Behavioural problem is characterised by a significant deviation from the socially accepted normal behaviour.

Etiology

·            Faulty parental attitude.

·           Inadequate family environment

·           Mentally and physically sick or handicapped children

·           Influence of social relationship

·           Influence of mass media

Common Behavioural Problems

a) Feeding problems:

Food refusal

Over eating

Pica

Anorexia nervosa

b) Habit disorders

Lack of physical activity

Thumb sucking

Nail biting

Enuresis

Encopresis

Internet addict

c) Sleep problems

Somnambulism

Night terrors

Nightmares

Insomnia

d) Adjustment problems

Disobedience

Misconduct

Temper tantrum

e) Anti social problems

Delinquency

Kleptomania

Drug abuse

Alcohol abuse

Sexual abuse

Teen pregnancy

Smoking

Management

•            Warm and understanding family environment communication between family members should be direct.

·           Deal with emotional disturbances at the earliest.

·           Behavioural therapy.

·           Positive reinforcement

·           Relaxation therapy

·           Referral to child guidance clinic

·           Drug therapy.

Childhood Accidents

Despite the best child proofing and safety efforts childhood accidents sometimes happens. The examples are

·           Burns

·           Poisoning

·           Drowning

·           Falls

·           Choking, strangulation and suffocation.

·           Common injuries

·           Mishandling guns and cars

Management

Call an ambulance if the child shows the following after accidents.

·           Unconscious

·           Vomited and drowsy

·           Poisoned

·           Dyspnoea

·           Unstopped bleeding from cut or ear

·           Severe pain