What is “normal” behaviour?

What is ‘normal’ behaviour varies between individuals – we all have our little quirks and eccentricities. The point at which the behaviour of a child or young person is problematic also varies. However, if the behaviour is affecting the young person’s ability to learn, interact appropriately with others and/or develop a healthy sense of self, then intervention may be necessary.

Sometimes it is difficult to know why a child or young person is behaving in a certain way – particularly if there is no apparent trigger or discernible pattern. The reasons are many so it can take time, and patience, to discover the underlying cause. However, for an intervention to be successful, understanding what is going on can make a big difference to the approach and outcome. Be sure to consider WHY the young person is behaving that way.

When considering the options available on KidsLink, be mindful that:

There is no “one” solution

There is no single convenient answer to many of the most important concerns affecting your child and family. No matter how badly we might wish for a simple answer or “quick fix”, we are faced with having to evaluate conflicting viewpoints affecting any given issue or problem. In truth, things are often more complicated than we would like them to be and it requires real effort from parents, Service Providers and the community.

Be realistic

For the vast majority of children and young people it would be wrong to say that they have a problem from which they will never recover or that little can be done to improve their situation. But it would be equally wrong to say that your child and family will be completely unchanged by the situation they and you are experiencing. Life is an accumulation of experiences. There is usually no pill, or any other treatment, that will take us back to ‘how we were before’ or in some cases ‘how we wish they had been in the first place’.

Personal experience

Ultimately, what works best for you and your child will be determined by your own personal experience – what worked brilliantly for your neighbour’s child may be of no benefit at all to your own, even though symptomatically the problem appears identical.

Because:

• You know your child and family circumstances best;
• there may be no consensus as to the cause of certain problems or what the best solution is, and
• you are ultimately responsible for the care and welfare of your child…

KidsLink recommends that  you make your own enquiries as to the suitability, or otherwise, of any particular service or service provider.