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Behaviour Problems / Aggression and Parenting Skills​

Most children go through challenging behaviour phases—it’s part of growing up. But when difficulties like frequent tantrums, defiance, or aggression start affecting daily life, it can feel overwhelming for parents. Figuring out what works best for your child isn’t always straightforward, and parenting can sometimes feel like trial and error. Our psychologists offer support for behaviour problems and parenting skills, using evidence-based strategies to help manage behaviour struggles and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Common Signs of Behavioural Problems in Children

Every child is different, but some common signs that may indicate behavioural difficulties include:

Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts

Persistent defiance or ignoring rules

Aggressive behaviour (e.g., hitting, biting, shouting)

Struggling to manage frustration or emotions

Difficulty coping with changes in routine

Acting impulsively or taking unnecessary risks

Trouble making or keeping friends

What you may not be aware of about
behavioural problems in children...

1

Around 10-20% of Australian children experience behavioural or emotional difficulties at some stage

2

Behavioural challenges are among the most common reasons for referrals to child psychologists

3

1 in 10 children scored in the ‘of concern’ range of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) total difficulties score

4

Boys were more likely to score in the ‘of concern’ range than girls (12.7% compared to 7.7%)

Parents and children sitting together on a couch, sharing a happy moment and building positive parenting skills.

What the research says about behaviour problems in children

Research shows that children’s behaviour is strongly influenced by parenting approaches. When parents use warmth, clear boundaries, and consistency, children tend to develop better emotional and social skills. On the flip side, harsh discipline and unpredictable rules can lead to more behavioural challenges.

According to the research:

  • Harsh discipline (e.g., yelling or physical punishment) is linked to more aggression and defiance in children.
  • Inconsistent parenting makes it harder for kids to learn self-control and follow rules.
  • Children who experience harsh or erratic discipline are more likely to struggle with emotional regulation and social interactions.
  • These patterns are seen across different backgrounds, showing that all children benefit from structured and supportive parenting.

What Works: Evidence-Based Approaches to Support Behaviour

The good news is that research has identified several effective ways to manage behaviour challenges and support positive development. These include:

  • Parent Training Programs: Approaches like Parent Management Training (PMT) help parents set clear expectations, reinforce positive behaviour, and manage challenging moments in a constructive way.
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Helps children develop emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, and better impulse control.
  • Consistent and Positive Discipline: Instead of harsh punishment, using clear expectations, calm communication, and praise for good behaviour leads to better long-term outcomes.
  • Emotional Regulation Strategies: Teaching children how to identify and manage their emotions reduces frustration and impulsivity.
  • Family-Based Interventions: Strengthening parent-child relationships through support, routine, and emotional connection helps improve behaviour.

With the right strategies, children can learn to manage their emotions and behaviour more effectively, and parents can feel more confident in guiding them. If you’re struggling with behavioural challenges at home, getting professional support can make a real difference.

*Source: Parenting Practices and Child Disruptive Behavior Problems in Early Elementary School – National Library of Medicine PubMed Central

Tips for managing behaviour challenges and parenting with confidence

Set clear and consistent boundaries – Kids thrive on routine. Stick to rules and consequences to create stability.

Praise the good, not just correct the bad – Reinforce positive behaviour by focusing on what your child does well.

Take a breather when things get heated – Stay calm and respond when you're in control, not in the heat of the moment.

Try the ‘1-2-3 Magic’ method – A simple, no-drama discipline approach from 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan.

Use tech to your advantage – The Parenting Hero app offers practical strategies for handling tricky situations.

You don’t have to do it alone – Our psychologists can provide tailored strategies to support your family. Get in touch.
Picture of Written by Dr Elizabeth Woodcock

Written by Dr Elizabeth Woodcock

Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology

Our Psychologists provide personalised support for behaviour problems and parenting skills, helping families navigate challenging behaviours. With Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, they use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with Parent Management Training strategies including ‘Triple P’, and ‘Emotion coaching‘ to guide families towards positive change.

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