05/11/2025
Understanding Childhood Behavioral Disorders — A Call to Parents
Dear Parents,
Some children show persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, defiance, or aggression that go beyond “normal childhood behavior.” These may be signs of behavioral disorders such as:
A. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – marked by poor concentration, restlessness, and impulsive actions.
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – where a child frequently argues, disobeys, or deliberately annoys others.
C. Conduct Disorder (CD) – involving more serious behaviors like aggression, lying, stealing, or destruction of property.
These conditions can affect a child’s learning, relationships, and future productivity, and if not addressed early, can contribute to school failure, substance use, and crime, which affect society at large.
Parents can help prevent and manage these disorders by:
1. Spending quality time and maintaining open communication with their children.
2. Providing consistent love, structure, and discipline (not harsh punishment).
3. Monitoring and limiting screen time.
4. Encouraging positive peer interaction and physical activity.
5. Seeking early help from doctors, psychologists, or school counselors if behavioral problems persist.
Every child deserves understanding, guidance, and the right support to grow into a healthy and responsible adult.
“Promoting healthy families, building a healthier society.”
Dr. Duke Onoriode UDHEKRU
Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State Branch.
