This is behaviour displayed by the child that is unacceptable to the parent(s) or staff at a nursery or school in any particular situation.

The behaviour may be destructive (breaking toys or tearing books). It may be aggressive using physical violence or verbal abuse. It may be constantly crying, whingeing or whining. It may be noticed as frequent bullying or teasing of another child, or by being the recurrent victim of abuse. If not checked, the behaviour may lead to exclusion from school and/or social isolation. Parents may find it difficult to be affectionate to a child with any of these problems.

Dr Rundle will discuss the whole situation and may need to contact the school. She will assess why the child is behaving badly and discuss how improvements may be obtained. Failure to address the situation may affect the child's educational progress as well as family relationships.