You may have noticed your child pushing boundaries, getting into trouble at school, or making choices that worry you. Some of this is a normal part of growing up. But sometimes these behaviors are a sign of conduct disorder.

If your child's actions are causing you concern, don't lose hope. This condition can be treated, and many caring people can help. Talk with a mental health provider, your child's doctor, the school counselor, or your local mental health clinic.

Children with this condition often behave in violent or harmful ways. These actions go beyond typical misbehavior. Children may act aggressively, bully others, or be cruel to people or animals. They may carry weapons, lie often, steal, or damage property.

These children are sometimes unfairly labeled as "delinquents" or "bad kids." But conduct disorder is a mental health condition. Many of these children have struggles that may have been missed. This includes depression, other emotional difficulties, a history of trauma, or a past head injury.

Conduct disorder is the term used for a group of behavioral or emotional problems in children. Children and teens with this condition have a hard time with socially acceptable behavior. They also have trouble following rules. It affects boys more often than girls. Talk to your child's doctor if you have questions about your child's risk.

Treatment depends on how severe the behaviors are. It's important for your child to have a psychiatric evaluation to make a plan for treatment.

Behavior therapy is very helpful for children with conduct disorder. This includes family therapy. The goal of treatment is to help children know how their actions affect others. Involving school staff such as counselors and teachers helps provide coordinated care. Certain medicines may also help ease symptoms. Many children with this condition also have a second mental health condition that may be treated with medicine.

The earlier that treatment begins, the better it is for the child. This includes at home and at school. Aggressive behavior that is not treated becomes harder to change as a child gets older.

Living with this condition can be stressful for the whole family, but your child needs love and support more than ever. Your consistency in following the treatment plan and being supportive and caring are key parts of the healing process.

Don't try to manage it alone. Stay in close contact with school staff and let them know if something isn't working. Ask them and your child's care team for support. Always tell professionals if your child shows new aggressive behaviors or if there is danger to the safety of others. This includes behavior toward other children, adults, or animals. The school staff and care team may also know of parent or family support groups that may be helpful to both parents and siblings as well.

Not every child who gets into trouble has this condition. But signs to watch for include:

• Bullying, threatening, or intimidating others.
• Picking fights.
• Using weapons to hurt others.
• Being cruel to people or to animals.
• Stealing.
• Destroying property on purpose (such as smashing windows).
• Setting fires with the intent to cause serious damage.
• Breaking into other people's property.
• Lying.
• Staying out at night despite parental rules.
• Running away from home.
• Often skipping school.
• Showing no empathy for the people or animals they have hurt.
• Showing little or no remorse for disruptive or dangerous behaviors.