The pre-school period is one in which behavior disorders may develop, especially if the child has certain constitutional faults and especially if the parents react unsuitably. Temperamental characteristics are discussed and the cluster of characteristics of the difficult child described in some detail to illustrate how trouble can be avoided if the parents can adapt healthily to the challenge of such a child. The concept of the emotionally disturbed child is examined. The specific syndromes are reviewed with emphasis on mental retardation, the hyperkinetic syndrome and childhood psychosis. Reactive behavior disorders, neurosis in childhood, special symptoms, excessive emotionality and depression are discussed.In management, the family doctor can fortunately be most effective, but only if he can spare the time and patience, concentrate on listening well, take a good history and give practical advice in which he believes. Medication is of secondary importance. If the community lacks facilities need to help these children further, then the physician can add a strong voice to those seeking them and can often provide the needed informed leadership. Some suggestions for further reading are made and are found in the footnotes.