Now comes a tool for parents to know about their children's misbehavior. In a new study, researchers have come out with a new tool for parents and professionals to know when to worry about young children's misbehavior.

Developing an easy-to-administer questionnaire specifically designed to distinguish the typical misbehaviour of early childhood from more concerning misbehaviour, the researchers from Northwestern university Feinberg School of Medicine invented this tool which will enable early identification and treatment of emerging mental health problems, key to preventing young children struggling with their behaviour from spiralling downward into chronic mental health problems. The new tool also will prevent rampant mislabelling and overtreatment of typical misbehaviour.

Lauren Wakschlag, lead author of the paper, said. "It gives a measurable indicator to tell us when tantrums are frequent enough that a child may be struggling. Perhaps for the first time, we have a tangible way to help parents, doctors and teachers know when the frequency and type of tantrums may be an indication of a deeper problem."

Until recently, the only diagnostic tools available for preschool behaviour problems were those geared to older children and teens with more severe, aggressive behaviour.