A nurse is reading a journal article about mental disorders in children. The nurse demonstrates understanding of the article by identifying which factor as the most prevalent contributing factor toward the incidence of childhood mental disorders?

Childhood mental disorders are more prevalent than previously thought, according to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication-Adolescent Supplement. When sociodemographic, comorbid psychiatric disorders and service use are accounted for, parent-child interactions are the most prevalent contributing factor toward the incidence of childhood mental disorders.

Step-by-step explanation

• In the article, "Mental Disorders in Children Are More Prevalent than Previously Thought: Results From the National Comorbidity Survey Replication-Adolescent Supplement," it is noted that "childhood mental disorders are more prevalent than previously thought." It is also noted that "when other factors such as sociodemographic, comorbid psychiatric disorders and service use were accounted for, parent-child interactions were the most prevalent contributing factor toward the incidence of childhood mental disorders."
• With this in mind, it's not surprising that so many parents struggle to find a balance between being a friend and being an authoritative figure. However, while it is true that children want to be loved by their parents and want to be given opportunities to make choices, there's a difference between giving your child independence and letting them make bad decisions.
• It is important for parents to know what kinds of behaviors should be punished and which ones can be ignored. For example, if your child comes home from school with their pants ripped because they didn't listen when their teacher told them to sit down, you probably shouldn't punish them for it. However, if your child comes home from school with their pants ripped because they ignored the fact that they were told not to climb on the monkey bars, then you might consider punishment a good option.
• Most children will try to get away with as much as possible until they discover that there are consequences for their actions. It's important for parents to remind themselves of this when deciding whether or not to punish their children. Most kids are happy-go-lucky and don't really think about consequences until someone reminds them that there are consequences for everything in life.
• When choosing what type of punishment would be appropriate, parents should use some common sense. If your child has been disrespectful towards another person or animal, then they deserve whatever punishment you give them - but don't go overboard! A spanking might work well enough on some kids, but if your kid isn't responding well to this form of discipline then perhaps a time out would be more appropriate.