Handling your child’s aggression and behavior problems can be a daunting task!
Several parents try to avoid these anger issues in their own ways. But many of us lack the knowledge of the right ways to deal with this issue. Aggression in children can be in various forms. However in most cases, it is the inability of the child to exercise control over emotions/impulses.
This article will help you with 5 practical ways to tackle your child’s aggressive behavior:
Let’s get started!
1. Choose to Respond and ‘not’ React
Children can be rude and loud during emotional outbursts. However, their unpleasant behavior does not mean that they have intentions to hurt others. Most of the time, they lack the knowledge of emotions and the right ways of expressing themselves. And this lack of maturity further reflects as impulsiveness.
When your child gets into aggressive mode choose to stay calm and cool. Do not take the situation personally. And help the child to get out of the situation. You can simply detach the child by taking him/her out for a short while. And try to explain the acceptable behavior in a friendly and positive tone. Set clear expectations in a positive tone. And explain the importance of desirable behavior once the child is calm.
Many parents react in a loud tone instead of helping the child understand the consequences of his/her actions. This can further worsen the situation. And your upset child might get even more irritated.
2. Set Clear Expectations
Most parents can preempt the trigger points of their child. In all such cases, it is better to prepare the child mentally for the situation. And set clear expectations well in advance. For instance, if your child gets fidgety at a relative’s place, tell him or her the expected behavior before moving out of the house. Let your kid understand that undesirable behavior will mean the ‘end of fun’. Because this expectation setting will help the child to stay motivated to behave appropriately.
Your directions should always be clear and straightforward. And the child should get a fair idea about your take on his/her aggressive behavior. Once you set these expectations, make sure that the child is adhering to the laid rules. So, you must check with the caregivers and also keep a track of his/her behavior in your absence (at home or at the daycare center).
In case of excessive behavior problems, you can opt for alternative schooling options like a 100% online schooling platform.
It will help you to keep the child under your supervision. And you will be able to track the improvement (after taking necessary steps) better.
3. Take Steps to Keep Negativity at Bay
As a parent, you can have a hard time with these frequent aggressive outbursts. However, even with a highly aggressive child, you need to train your brain and stay non-judgmental in your approach. Never let your relationships enter the zone of negative energy exchange. Because this will make your child more defiant and critical of authority. Stick to positive feedback at all times. And never use punishments to explain the acceptable behavior. Be a good listener and let the child talk. Always share your point of view once he/she is done.
Remember that punishments can aggravate problems of misbehavior. So make sure you take up the right parenting style. And always keep a check on your own emotions.
4. Reinforce Good Behavior
You can never go wrong with the age-old positive reinforcement techniques. Studies have proved that reinforcement techniques directly affect behavior. So make sure you strengthen the roots of desirable behavior through these reinforcement techniques and strategies. Simple appreciations, rewards, and nonverbal cues (like hand-shake, nod, thumbs up, etc.) can do wonders for your child. So ensure that you make use of these simple strategies and promote self-control to curb your child’s aggression.
5. Set a Good Example
For your child, you are already a role model. Use every opportunity at home to demonstrate emotional intelligence. Talk to the child about the right ways of handling everyday life stress. And use all these casual conversations to tell him/her the right way of finding alternatives while staying calm. Let the child participate in your conversations and encourage empathy through real-life examples (like apologizing for mistakes etc.).
Hope these tips can help you to tackle aggression issues in your child. Go ahead and use these and stay positive that you will succeed in your role as a parent!
Happy Parenting!
