Irritability/Nervousness in children is not just a bad temper or temporary behavior that can be ignored, but rather it is a complex response to multiple factors ranging between psychological, environmental, and developmental pressures that the child goes through in his different growth stages in today's world full of challenges and pressures.
And children face new challenges that were not present in previous generations, such as excessive use of technology, increasing academic pressures, and rapid social changes, which makes understanding the nature of children's irritability/nervousness and developing effective strategies for dealing with it an essential matter to ensure healthy and balanced growth for future generations.
The fundamental characteristics of children's irritability/nervousness in psychological development
The traits of the irritable child vary and among them:
· Excessive emotional response that exceeds what is expected for the child's age.
· Quickness to anger and irritation from simple situations.
· Difficulty controlling emotions and behavior.
· Strong reactions towards frustration or change of routine.
· Behaviors like screaming, crying, and aggressiveness.
· Difficulty adapting to new situations.
The fundamental causes that lead to children's irritability/nervousness
The causes of children's irritability/nervousness have multiplied and among them:
- · Genetic factors related to mood disorders.
- · Family tension and conflicts between parents.
- · Inconsistent or strict parenting methods.
- · School pressures or problems with peers.
- · Big or sudden life changes.
- · Sleep disorders or irregular feeding.
- · Excessive exposure to screens.
Stages of development of the severity of children's irritability/nervousness
The severity of irritability/nervousness differs according to the age stage:
- · Early childhood: Tantrums and throwing objects.
- · Preschool: Aggressiveness and difficulty following rules.
- · School age: Rebellion and social problems.
- · Early adolescence: Severe mood swings.
The negative effects of irritability/nervousness on the child's growth and comprehensive development
Poor dealing with the child's condition may lead to exacerbation of the problem as follows:
- · Weak concentration and academic difficulties.
- · Social isolation and difficulty forming friendships.
- · Failure in learning emotional regulation.
- · Health problems like sleep and digestion disorders.
- · Increased stress and immune problems.
- · Possibility of developing anxiety or depression later.
The family's role in dealing with the child's irritability/nervousness and managing behavior
The family's role is fundamental for improving the child's behavior:
- · Realizing that irritability/nervousness is not deliberate stubbornness.
- · Setting clear and consistent rules.
- · Dealing with firmness and love without excess or leniency.
- · Using the method of calming and quiet communication.
- · Providing unconditional emotional support.
- · Establishing a fixed daily routine.
- · Teaching skills for expressing feelings.
Methods of behavior modification and calming the child
It is advised to follow the following steps to modify the child's behavior:
- · Applying timeout and planned ignoring for attention-seeking behaviors.
- · Teaching the child deep breathing and relaxation.
- · Using a reward system instead of punishment.
- · Dividing tasks to reduce frustration.
- · Allocating a quiet space in the home.
- · Effective listening to the child's needs.
A method for improving the child's control over his impulses
Here are six ways that help improve the child's control over his impulses:
- · Teaching the child to name his feelings accurately.
- · Identifying early signs of anger.
- · Training on counting and deep breathing.
- · Using stories and educational tales.
- · Encouraging artistic activities to express feelings.
- · Practicing sports to release energy.
The school's role in improving the behavior of the irritable/nervous child
The school has an important role in improving the behavior of the irritable/nervous child and from it:
- · Trained teachers capable of early intervention.
- · A quiet and organized classroom environment.
- · Activities that suit different learning styles.
- · Psychological and social guidance programs.
- · School cooperation with the family.
- · Raising student awareness to deal with their peers.
Therapeutic programs for treating excessive irritability/nervousness in children
There are methods advised to be followed in treating irritability/nervousness in children and among them:
- · Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- · Play therapy for younger children.
- · Parent training programs.
- · Family therapy to improve communication.
- · Anger management programs directed at children.
- · Pharmacological therapy when needed.
- · Continuous follow-up to prevent relapse.
How to build self-confidence and enhance positivity in irritable nervous children
We must support children's confidence in themselves as follows:
- · Addressing low self-esteem resulting from criticism.
- · Focusing on the child's talents and strengths.
- · Sincere praise for positive behaviors.
- · Setting achievable goals.
- · Teaching problem-solving skills.
- · Providing opportunities to help others.
- · Promoting a growth mindset instead of perfection.
Summary about the causes of children's irritability/nervousness
Children's irritability/nervousness is a complex educational challenge that requires understanding, patience, and unconditional love from the parents and educators. Success in dealing with this phenomenon does not come overnight, but rather requires continuous effort and diverse strategies that suit the personality and needs of each child.
The goal is not the complete elimination of the child's negative feelings, as this is unnatural and unhealthy, but rather teaching him how to deal with these feelings and manage them in a constructive way. Investing in developing emotional intelligence and impulse management skills in our children today is an investment in a healthier and happier future.