For any parent, their children are the most valued treasure. Their psychological development is becoming a major concern and priority everywhere. Listed below are some psychological issues:

Sibling rivalry is a routine part of growing up in families, but when that fighting turns into constant arguments, fights, and the creation of some potentially dangerous situations, it should be dealt with.

Following are some possible causes of sibling rivalry:

• Depression - Depression is the most common psychological issues among children. It can present a confusing picture in the minds of children and can affect thoughts, feelings, behavior and overall health. Symptoms may vary with age of children, but common symptoms are aggression, excessive shouting and crying, isolative behavior, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, etc. It can be treated effectively by psychotherapy and antidepressants.

• Sibling Rivalry - It is not difficult to find the roots of sibling rivalry and is manifests itself in circumstances such as common children's fights. Parents' attitude plays a vital role in overcoming sibling rivalry. They should not take sides in sibling rivalry and also try to let children work out their differences. This will help in creating emotional attachment among siblings.

• Child abuse and neglect - Neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse have long term effects on child development. Children who have been sexually abused have high risk of psychological issues like anxiety, major depression, alcohol abuse, etc.

• Behavior Issue - Generally, the warning signs are cruelty to animals and other children, temper tantrums, fascination with violence in media, isolation from peers and teachers, etc.

• Anxiety - Anxiety in children is just as prevalent in children as in adults. Stressed out and negligent parents, high expectations in academic or other performances, abused or deprived childhood, growing up tensions and demand for familial responsibility are the main causes of anxiety. Parents should not burden their child with their expectations and should compliment them when they do well.

• Phobia - The most common types of fears exhibited by children are specific phobias like of darkness, loud noises, dogs, etc. or agoraphobia, in which children avoid places in which accidents have occurred such as shopping malls, theatres, etc.

• Autism - The symptoms of autism may manifest in early infancy, with the infant shying away from the parent's touch, not responding to a parent who returns after an absence and inappropriate gaze behavior. The majority of those with autism take on negative symptoms of schizophrenia like withdrawal, flattened affect and poverty of thought.
  

Copyright 2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited. For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com

Useful Related Resourses: