7 Steps Dealing With Aggressive Children

Here's a simple 7 Step by Step system that you can start using to deal with your aggressive children.

STEP 1: MODEL APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Children, during their childhood stages are very vulnerable to negative influences. They tend to imitate what they see, what they hear and what they experience. A bad experience may also lead to them always remembering the incident. Also, aggressive discipline will result in aggressive behavior in the children towards other children and even the parent. Remember, don't do anything negative that you wouldn't want your children to imitate you in front of them.

STEP 2: HOUSE INSPECTION

Remember to always inspect your house for possible aggression traps. Is there enough room for your children to play together and independently? Are there enough materials for each child to interact with?

Does each child receive an equal amount of positive attention from the parent or caregiver?

STEP 3: TEACH YOUR CHILD CONTROL EARLY

As soon as your child throws the first temper tantrum, begin to talk about different situations and the
emotions they evoke.

You can say things like, "It's OK to be angry when your tower falls, but throwing blocks is not nice. Try again.

Mommy doesn't like biting. Biting hurts. Hitting is not nice. Please don't use your hands that way."

Use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling is also a form of aggression, in which your child might imitate your actions.

STEP 4: INTERVENE IMMEDIATELY

Whenever your child becomes aggressive towards others or towards his or her own body, have a time out period. This is for you and them to calm down before discussing the behavior and alternative behaviors in which you can solve the problems with the current situation.

STEP 5: FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON THE HURT CHILD

Even negative attention will reinforce aggressive behavior. Put the aggressor in time out, walk away, and
comfort the hurt child. When the aggressor leaves time out with your permission, have him or her do something nice for the hurt child, such as giving a favorite blanket or toy.

STEP 6: TEACH THEM TO BE ASSERTIVE

Teach your children to be assertive and ask for what they want instead of being aggressive and demanding.

When your child screams and throws an empty juice cup across the room, say, "Do you want more juice? All you have to do is say, 'Mommy, can I have more juice?' and I will get it."

STEP 7: ROLE-PLAY WITH OLDER CHILDREN

Make a list of scenarios and ways to ask for things such as snacks, money or free time. Talk openly with
your child about feelings and emotions. Discuss different possible responses or refer to the list every
time your child uses aggression.

I hope these 7 simple steps will give you a better idea of a step by step system how you can deal with an aggressive children.