It can be hard to know how to respond when a child “acts out.” Luckily there are effective ways that parents and caregivers can respond when a child is yelling, screaming, hitting, kicking, biting or breaking things.

For Help Right Away

If you have an immediate concern about your child’s behavior, these hotlines can offer help:

  • 家谱 24 小时育儿帮助热线
    请致电 1-800-243-7337,获取马里兰州的免费且保密的支持、建议和社区资源。 了解有关家谱帮助热线的更多信息.
  • Call 9-8-8
    If you have a concern about child mental health or substance use, call 9-8-8.
一个心疼的孩子双手捂住耳朵

If You Are Concerned About Your Child’s Behavior

If challenging behaviors are happening often, it’s risky to assume that your child will “grow out of it.” Acting early on concerns is the best way to help your child.

Most issues can be resolved with the right approach, but it is usually easier and more effective to do something sooner before a problem gets worse.

A good first step is to talk to your child’s healthcare provider, like their pediatrician or nurse practitioner. Write down your questions, concerns, and some examples; take these to the appointment. Tell the doctor or nurse at the beginning of the appointment that you have concerns about your child’s behavior and development. This sheet can help you prepare for the conversation.

Other Sources of Support

Navigating these behaviors can be difficult for the child and parent. Help is available.

  • 拨打 2-1-1
    If you need support, dial 2-1-1. We can help you figure out which program or resource is right for you.
  • Maryland Coalition of Families Peer Support
    The agency can help you navigate behavioral health concerns as a family through its 家庭同伴支持计划。他们可以帮助提供 IEP 和支持家庭和儿童所需的其他资源。
  • 儿童心理健康问题家庭资源包
    下载到 英语 或者 西班牙语。您将找到有关多个主题的信息,包括饮食失调、注意力缺陷多动障碍 (ADHD)、焦虑、抑郁或其他心理健康问题。

 

母亲安慰孩子

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