How to Control an Aggressive Child
The importance of controlling your aggressive child is validated by the rise of child violence in society. Children who act aggressively are more likely to become delinquent teenagers, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Aggressive behaviors can include hitting, biting, pushing, kicking or yelling at another person. You will need to have patience and be consistent in order to control and end your child's aggressive behaviors, since it can be a challenging endeavor.
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Instructions
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Stop any aggressive actions immediately. You will need to consistently intervene in the aggressive behaviors in order to control and stop them. Remove your child from the situation, if necessary. Resist the urge to hit your child, as your own aggression will only perpetuate his violent behaviors. Hold your child in your lap if he is resistant, and whisper soothing words to him to calm him down.
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Explain to your child why aggression is not an appropriate behavior and encourage her to express her feelings verbally. You may need to assist her in giving a name to her feelings. Ask open-ended questions or provide a narrative of what you saw provoke the aggressive behavior. For example, you might say "You must have been really upset when Johnny took your doll from you." This will validate her feelings while helping her understand the right way to express them.
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Channel your child's energy into positive outlets. Provide opportunities for physical activity during the day or give your child toys to help expend energy. A mini trampoline for jumping or a swing set with climbing activities are excellent ways to expel negative energy. Older kids could benefit from a karate or exercise class to channel aggressive feelings into an activity with positive results.
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Praise your child when he uses the appropriate emotional response in a situation or walks away before becoming aggressive. Positive reinforcement can go a long way to controlling and ending aggressive behavior in your child.
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Set a positive example for your child with your own behaviors. Do not respond aggressively to your child's misbehavior or use physical means to discipline her. You cannot expect to control your child's aggressive behavior if you do not control your own. Yale Medical Group reported that spanking does not help end negative behaviors but rather perpetuates them.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to your child's pediatrician if the aggressive behaviors become out of control. He may need more serious intervention, such as a physical or psychological examination to determine an underlying cause for the behaviors.
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