Deviant behavior is behavior that is not in accordance with the norms in society. A study revealed that more deviant behavior is carried out by boys than girls.
Causes of Deviant Behavior in Children
The causes of deviant behavior in children are not known with certainty. However, the family environment is one of the most influential factors in initiating the formation of deviant behavior in children.
This problem can arise due to a lack of attention from parents to children, poor parenting patterns, or even psychological trauma experienced by children.
In addition to family environmental factors, the social environment can also trigger the development of deviant behavior in children. This is usually the result of bad association with schoolmates or peers in the neighborhood.
Of the many deviant behaviors in children, here are some examples of deviant behavior that often occur:
- Skip school because you are lazy to study.
- Frequent fights, either with other people or their parents.
- Likes to destroy or steal public facilities.
- Smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
How to Overcome and Caring for Children with Deviant Behavior
While your child is not yet a teenager, you as a parent must start changing your attitude to be more attentive and caring for your child, as well as caring for and educating them with great affection.
Here are some ways you can do this:
More free time with children
Try to spend more free time with your children, no matter how busy you are. You can use the time to swap stories, ask what their activities are at school, what their goals or wishes are for the future, or how their friends are. You can also ask what problems the child might be facing.
Create a child's daily schedule
Given that deviant behavior in children can also be influenced by the social environment, you can make a daily schedule to foster a sense of discipline in children. This schedule includes study hours, rest hours, and hours of play, especially outside the home. You can also limit the time your child uses gadgets.
Establish communication with the school teacher
Even though you can't see your child's behavior directly at school, you can still monitor it by asking the teacher or homeroom teacher. If your child often misbehaves at school, try admonishing and advising him. Explain to him why he cannot do this.
The active role of parents has a huge impact on the development of good behavior, life and the future of children. If you have difficulty communicating with your child or if your child often engages in deviant behavior, don't hesitate to consult a child psychologist, before this problem drags on and gets worse.
