The concept of adaptation is generally defined as "the degree to which an individual can establish and maintain good relationships with both himself and his environment". It is important for children to show behaviors and attitudes appropriate to the changes occurring in themselves during the development process, and to be able to harmoniously reconcile their relationships with other people. In fact, this is a state of balance. When this balance is not established, behavioral problems occur. Within the framework of adaptation problems, the individual's developmental period and the characteristics of that period should be taken into consideration in general. Does the maladaptive behavior belong to a certain period or does it show permanent symptoms? This situation should be observed. Additionally, the frequency and severity of behavioral problems are another factor that should be taken into consideration.
Children acquire some mental, social and physical skills during their development process. The development of the child's ability to comprehend and learn, to exhibit a certain communication ability, to perceive his environment, to make sense of the roles of the individuals he communicates with, and to begin to know himself are all related to the level of maturity he gains during this development process. In this respect, children may encounter some problems during this development process and may receive reactions from their environment regarding these problems. In other words, as children move into a new developmental period, they not only gain some new skills, but also develop some behaviors. It is very important to distinguish whether these behaviors are normal or abnormal. There are some criteria to ensure this distinction, and according to these criteria, it can be evaluated whether the behavior is normal or not. These criteria are age appropriateness, intensity of behavior, continuity, effect of gender,
Age appropriateness: Children's age is the most effective criterion in determining the characteristics of behavior. Every behavior exhibited is normal within its age characteristics. For example, while it is considered normal for a 3-year-old child to wet the bed, it is not considered normal for a 7-year-old child to wet the bed.
Intensity of behavior: Again, based on the age example, if this behavior is shown intensely, it may be seen as abnormal. For example, if a 4-5 year old child is a little angry and irritable. While it may seem normal to have pain; Anger and irritability turning into aggression by harming oneself or someone else can be described as abnormal behavior.
Continuity: Likewise, care should be taken to ensure that this behavior is exhibited by the child constantly and persistently, rather than within a certain period of time.
The effect of gender: Another thing to consider is whether the behavior exhibited is appropriate to the gender. . It is considered abnormal behavior if some behaviors that are considered specific to boys are seen in girls, or if behaviors appropriate for girls are seen in boys.
Behavior problems can occur in any developmental period of children. These behaviors usually occur in response to a situation. In particular, determining the cause of these reactions is very important for the normalization of abnormal behavior. Children will engage in different behaviors to express their reactions in environments and situations where they have communication problems, are not loved, are not cared for, are not valued, or are subjected to verbal and physical violence, and this will cause them to display incompatible and problematic behaviors in society. However, oppressive, overly disciplined and overprotective parental attitudes can also lead to adaptation and behavioral disorders. In this respect, adaptation and behavior problems; It occurs as a result of the child transferring his/her internal conflicts due to various physical and psychological reasons to his/her behaviors. Behaviors such as aggression, stubbornness, thumb sucking, nail biting, phobias (fears), anxiety, introversion, stealing behavior, lying, bedwetting, tics are considered as behavioral problems.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE ADAPTATION AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
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When the child shows any behavioral problem, not at the time of the incident, After a while, it should be discussed in a calmer environment.
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Positive role models should be provided to children, keeping in mind that parents are living models.
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The child should be a positive role model. Positive behaviors should be observed meticulously and these behaviors should be taken as an opportunity and positive reinforcement should be given.
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No matter what, He should not resort to ddet. Children should be given the opportunity and encouraged to talk about all their problems with their parents and appropriate environments should be created.
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The child should be given some responsibilities according to his age and characteristics, giving him the opportunity to get to know himself and see his talents.
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There should be a consistent attitude towards the child between the mother and father.
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Expectations from the child should be realistic, expectations should not exceed his/her age.
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The child should not be compared neither with his/her siblings nor with other children. Comparison is the most important attack directed at the child's self.
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When incompatible and abnormal behavior occurs, the child should be directed to other activities and the direction of the behavior should be changed.
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Educational environments are very important environments for children's development. Observing and evaluating existing behavioral problems in school environments and taking precautions are of great importance for solving the problem. Parents need to be in constant communication with teachers during these periods.
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