Half of parents think lockdown will have a lasting effect on their
YOUR toddler has hit or bitten another child again, and you’re beginning to think they have a problem. But don’t worry, it’s normal. Honestly. Research has shown eight out of 10 children are hitting others at the age of 18 months, and kicking, pushing and throwing things at people peaks at 20 months. So aggressive behaviour starts even before the terrible twos – although the 2018 New York University study also showed two-year-olds hitting nearly four to six days a week.
But while aggression in toddlers is clearly very common, it doesn’t make it any easier if you are one of the parents who has to deal with it.
So why do young children become aggressive, and what should parents do about it?
THERE can be many reasons for young children to lash out, ranging from frustration, anger, jealousy, attention-seeking, tiredness, hunger, simple loss of self-control, or just testing boundaries to see what they’re allowed to get away with.
“Parents should try to think why the aggression is occurring, and perhaps keep some notes to describe the situation and what happens beforehand,” suggests David Messer, an
Open University professor of child development and learning.
And Norland nanny and maternity nurse Louenna
Hood, who runs the Nanny Louenna app (nannylouenna. com/nannylouennaapp), says: “Aggression usually occurs in children due to frustration. It’s not unusual for a toddler to have a tantrum if they don’t get their own way, or if they feel they aren’t being heard or understood.
“Over-tiredness is also a huge
ALMOST half of parents think their children’s education will always be behind following months of disruption caused by Covid-19.
A study of 2,000 mums and dads revealed they think it will take at least three weeks on average before their child is fully settled back into the school routine.
A further two in five are worried about their youngster adjusting to the daily routine again after almost six months away from school.
While 19% think they will struggle with motivation, a third are expecting their child to be exhausted upon their return to education in September.
Worryingly, more than one in 10 mums and dads fear it could take up to six weeks for their child to fully settle back into school – half an entire term.
The research, commissioned by Collins, also found 31% of parents feel apprehensive about their child going back to school.
But despite their fears, a quarter also feel positive about the new term and 22% are excited to see kids return to education.
Two thirds of parents feel optimistic about their child seeing their friends and 60% like the fact they will once again have structured lessons during the day.
Lee Newman, education publisher at Collins, said: “This September will see a return to school like no other, and parents are understandably anxious about how their children will cope during the transition – it’s uncharted territory for everyone.
“What this year has underlined is what a societal cornerstone schools are, and how dedicated teachers are to the education and care of their pupils. I think parents’ fears will be allayed quite quickly.
“Learning resources such as practice workbooks and revision guides have a great role to play as children get back up to speed.
“Parents can use them to model positive attitudes toward learning, they can be used informally to recap prior learning; and they provide a great confidence boost as students’ progress through the materials.”