Deviant Behavior in Children and How to Overcome It

Deviant behavior in children more happens a lot. This condition should not be underestimated, because can develop into a criminal act. Therefore, you as a parent must understand the causes of this deviant behavior this and how to fix it.

Deviant behavior is behavior that is not in accordance with the norms in society. A study revealed that more deviant behavior was carried out by boys than girls.

Causes of Deviant Behavior in Children

The cause of deviant behavior in children is not known with certainty. However, the family environment is one of the most influential factors in initiating the formation of deviant behavior in children.

This problem can arise due to lack of parental attention to children, poor parenting, or even psychological trauma experienced by children.

In addition to family environmental factors, the social environment can also trigger the development of deviant behavior in children. This is usually due to bad association with school friends or peers in the neighborhood.

Of the many deviant behaviors in children, the following are some examples of deviant behavior that often occurs:

  • Skipping school because you are lazy to study.
  • Often fights, either with other people or with their parents.
  • Likes to damage or steal public facilities.
  • Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.

How to Cope with and Treat Children with Deviant Behavior

As long as the child has not yet reached the age of adolescence, you as a parent must begin to change your attitude to be more considerate and caring for the child, and care for and educate him with love.

Here are a few ways you can do this:

Spend more free time with child

Strive to increase free time with children, no matter how busy you are. You can use the time to exchange stories, ask what he is doing at school, what his goals or desires are in the future, or how his friends are. You can also ask what problems your child might be having.

Create a child's daily schedule

Given that deviant behavior in children can also be influenced by the social environment, then you can make a daily schedule to foster a sense of discipline in children. This schedule includes study hours, rest hours, and playing hours, especially outside the home. You can also limit the time your child uses gadgets.

Communicate with the school teacher

Even though you can't directly see your child's behavior at school, you can still monitor it by asking the teacher or homeroom teacher. If your child often misbehaves at school, try to reprimand and counsel him. Explain to him why he should not do this.

The active role of parents has a very large impact on the development of good behavior, life, and the future of children. If you are having trouble communicating with your child or if your child frequently engages in deviant behavior, don't hesitate to consult a child psychologist before this problem drags on and gets worse.