How to deal with a rowdy child

A child who is consistently rowdy will have problems wherever he goes. This type of behaviour is unwelcome in the home, at school, certainly when out in public or visiting, and even on the playground.

Webster's Dictionary defines rowdy behaviour as being noisy and disorderly. A rowdy individual draws negative attention to himself wherever he happens to be. For his own sake, as well as for the benefit of those around him, this type of child needs help to overcome his inappropriate behaviour.

Most children will be rowdy at times: when they're over-excited or over-tired, when they've had too much sugar, or when they're trying to show off for special company. Part of growing up is learning self-control during these periods of extreme exuberance. Just as most people master temper tantrums as they grow older, children must learn to handle excitement or upsetting incidents appropriately.

One of the essential duties of parents is to help their child become a well-adapted, self-disciplined adult. For those who believe their offspring may be boisterous more often than normal, here are some tips which may be helpful in achieving this goal:

* Start with a thorough medical check-up. You need to be sure there's no physical cause for the obstreperous behavior. The doctor visit should include evaluation for hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD).

* Once physical causes have been eliminated, look at the child's daily routine. Is he getting sufficient sleep each night? Is he eating a healthy diet, with only occasional sugary or junk food treats?

* Has there been a recent death, separation or divorce in the family? Any of these can be profoundly upsetting for a child. Professional counselling may be required to help him adjust to the new circumstances.

* Is the household-school routine similar each day, so he can rely on consistency in his schedule? Too much change or instability can to be unsettling for children.

* Is he receiving enough love and attention from his parents? Children who are neglected sometimes act up for attention. They feel that even negative attention is better than none.

* Is there any chance the child has been abused or molested without your knowledge? If such an incident has occurred and he doesn't know how to handle it or to whom he can talk, this can result in major behavioral problems.

* Be sure there are quiet periods built into each day's schedule so he can learn to amuse himself and enjoy his own company. Reading, writing, drawing, puzzles, or working on collections are examples of solitary, yet constructive and enjoyable activities.

* Don't schedule a lot of after-school activities; one a week for elementary school children is fine. Try to keep his routine as calm, tension-free and predictable as possible.

* Call attention to children modeling good behavior whenever you have the chance. "Look how good Mary's being in the line-up. See how everyone is smiling at her? "

* Look for chances to reward good behavior in the child himself when it occurs. " Because you were so well-behaved in church, I'll read you an extra bedtime story tonight."

Children come into the world like clay, ready to be shaped by circumstances and lifestyle. If they live with stress, instability, noise and negligence, they're likely to become rowdy. If their environment is calm, orderly, predictable and manageable, they are likely to model these qualities in their behaviour.

You are the parent. You shape the environment and you mold the child, for the pre-teen years at least. Consider your options carefully. It may be the most important venture you'll ever undertake.