Understanding, Not Punishing
Every child misbehaves at times they argue, throw tantrums, or test limits. It’s part of learning, growing, and figuring out how the world works. But when these behaviours become constant, intense, or start affecting family life, school, and friendships, it may be a sign that your child is struggling beneath the surface. At Mindsight, under the guidance of Punit Dixit, a leading child psychologist, we help families understand that behaviour is not the problem it’s the message.
“Children act out when they can’t express what’s going on inside. Our job is to listen to the behaviour, not just correct it.”
This article explores the most common behavioral problems in children why they happen, what they look like, and how therapy and compassionate parenting can help children learn better ways to express themselves.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
It’s normal for children to say “no” or challenge parents occasionally it’s how they test boundaries and assert independence. But when defiance becomes constant, paired with anger, irritability, and refusal to follow rules, it may indicate Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Children with ODD often argue with adults, deliberately break rules, or blame others for their mistakes. This behaviour doesn’t come from disrespect it’s often a child’s way of expressing frustration, anxiety, or feeling unheard.
At Mindsight, therapy helps children understand their emotions and develop problem-solving skills. Parents are supported through behaviour management training, learning to use empathy and consistency instead of punishment. When children feel safe and respected, defiance gradually turns into cooperation.
“Connection before correction that’s the key to calming defiance.”
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a more serious behavioural concern where a child repeatedly violates social rules or the rights of others. This may include lying, stealing, bullying, or aggression toward people or animals.
These behaviours can look alarming, but they’re often signs of deep distress or past trauma. Many children with CD have faced inconsistent discipline, neglect, or environments where they felt unsafe or unseen.
At Mindsight, therapy includes structured behaviour interventions, emotional regulation, and family therapy. The goal is to rebuild empathy, trust, and accountability helping children see that they can make better choices and reconnect positively with others.
“Children who hurt others are often the ones who have been hurt the most.”
Temper Tantrums
Tantrums are a normal part of emotional development, especially in toddlers. But when they continue beyond early childhood or become extreme involving aggression, self-harm, or long-lasting rage they may indicate difficulty managing emotions.
Tantrums can stem from frustration, anxiety, or unmet needs. Sometimes, they happen because a child hasn’t yet developed the emotional vocabulary to express what they feel.
At Mindsight, we teach children emotional awareness helping them name and manage their feelings instead of acting them out. Parents are guided to respond calmly and set clear limits while showing empathy.
“A tantrum isn’t a power struggle it’s a cry for regulation.”
Aggression and Violence
When children hit, scream, or lash out, it can feel overwhelming for parents. But aggression is rarely about cruelty it’s a reaction to fear, frustration, or loss of control. Many children who appear angry are simply struggling to feel safe or understood.
Therapy at Mindsight helps children identify triggers, practice calming techniques, and replace aggression with assertive communication. Parents learn to respond with calm guidance, not punishment because understanding diffuses anger better than control.
“An angry child doesn’t need more control they need more understanding.”
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD involves persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may struggle to sit still, focus on tasks, or control impulses. It’s not a discipline issue it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages focus and energy.
At Mindsight, Punit Dixit uses structured behavioural strategies, attention training, and parental coaching to help children thrive. Parents learn positive reinforcement methods and routines that build focus without pressure. With understanding, ADHD becomes manageable and no longer a label of limitation.
“ADHD is not a lack of focus it’s an abundance of curiosity and energy that needs direction.”
Excessive Stubbornness
Stubbornness often signals a strong will but when it becomes rigid and constant, it can cause friction at home or school. Excessive stubbornness may stem from a child’s need for independence, control, or fear of making mistakes.
At Mindsight, therapy helps children learn flexibility and problem-solving. Parents are encouraged to offer choices instead of commands, creating cooperation without power struggles. When children feel heard, they become more willing to listen.
“Strong-willed children don’t need to be broken they need to be guided.”
Compulsive Behaviours and OCD Symptoms
Some children develop repetitive actions like checking, washing, or arranging things “just right.” These may indicate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or anxiety-related compulsions. Such behaviours temporarily relieve stress but can quickly become rigid habits.
At Mindsight, therapy focuses on managing the underlying anxiety through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Parents are taught how to support their child without reinforcing compulsions, helping them face fears gradually and safely.
“Compulsions are not control they’re a child’s attempt to feel safe in uncertainty.”
Tics and Habit Disorders
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds, such as blinking or throat clearing. Habit disorders include repetitive actions like nail-biting or hair-pulling. While often harmless, these can worsen with stress or embarrassment.
At Mindsight, Punit Dixit uses Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and relaxation techniques to help children gain awareness and control over tics or habits. The goal is not perfection, but comfort helping children manage behaviours without shame or anxiety.
“Acceptance, not punishment, helps a child regain control over their body and mind.”
Why Do Behavioral Problems Develop?
Every child’s behaviour has an emotional root. Behavioral challenges often result from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
- Family stress or inconsistent discipline
- Learning difficulties or developmental delays
- Unresolved trauma or anxiety
- Low emotional awareness or self-esteem
- Neurological differences affecting impulse control
At Mindsight, we look beyond the surface and focus on the “why.” Once the root cause is addressed, behaviour naturally improves because children behave better when they feel better.
How Therapy at Mindsight Helps
Therapy for behavioural problems isn’t about enforcing control it’s about teaching children healthier ways to express themselves. Punit Dixit and the team at Mindsight combine multiple evidence-based approaches, including:
- Play Therapy: Helps children express emotions in a safe, creative way.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Builds awareness and self-control.
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Strengthens the bond between parent and child through communication and structure.
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Training: Teaches children how to stay calm and focused under stress.
These methods empower both children and parents to rebuild trust, improve cooperation, and nurture long-term emotional health.
“When a child feels seen, they no longer need to scream.”
Final Thoughts
Behavioral problems can test any parent’s patience but they’re not a sign of bad parenting or a “bad child.” They’re signals that something deeper needs care and understanding. With early support and compassionate therapy, every child can learn to manage emotions, communicate needs, and thrive.
At Mindsight, under the care of Punit Dixit, we believe that change begins with empathy. Behaviour improves when children feel safe, understood, and capable of making better choices. No child is defined by their behaviour they’re defined by their potential to grow.
“Children don’t need to be fixed they need to be understood.”
At Mindsight, we help children move from chaos to calm one small step, one safe space, and one understanding conversation at a time.
