Tips to Prevent Aggressive Behavior in Young Children
There are many times when your child's behavior warms and embraces your heart. But there are other times when it probably drives you a little crazy.
As a toddler or preschooler, your child may lack the self-control to express anger peacefully. Instead, they may naturally lash out, perhaps hitting or biting in frustration.
While occasional outbursts are normal especially during temper tantrums there are things you can do to shape your child's behavior.
- Teach your family's rules.
Children don't understand rules until they're taught them. So, set clear rules and expectations for behavior.
- "Control yourself."
They can't yet. Remember, young children have little natural self-control. They need you to teach them not to kick, hit, or bite when they are angry, but instead to express their feelings through words.
- Avoid threats. Rather than saying, "Stop it or else," it is always more effective to teach alternative behavior. Brie)y ignore the minor misbehavior, then tell your child what to do instead.
- "Great job!" For discipline to be most effective, it should take place on an ongoing basis—not just when your child misbehaves. Tell your child how "grown-up" they are acting when they behave in appropriate ways, rather than hitting, kicking or biting.
- "We don't hurt each other." Supervise your child carefully and watch for con)icts with playmates. If a dispute is minor, keep your distance and let the children solve it on their own. However, step in if children get into a physical Ight that continues even after they're told to stop.apart and keep them separate until they have calmed down.
- Instead of ghting. Teach your child to say "no" in a Irm tone of voice, to turn their back, or to compromise instead of Ighting with their body.
- Use healthy distractions. While teaching your child appropriate ways to respond, there's also nothing wrong with distracting them when they are starting to get upset. Getting them involved in another activity can help calm them down.
- Control your own temper. One of the best ways to teach them appropriate behavior is to watch your own temper.
- Stay strong. If you must discipline your child, do not feel guilty about it and certainly don't apologize.
What's the difference between discipline and punishment?
Discipline is a way of teaching and a way of enhancing a good parent-child relationship. When you discipline, you should provide your child with praise along with instruction in a Irm tone. Your intent is to improve their behavior.
Punishment is negative; you are dispensing an unpleasant consequence when your child does or doesn't do something. Punishment is a part of discipline, but only a small part.