In the article "Understanding Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescence," The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ASCAP) says, "Children as young as preschoolers can show violent behavior." They go on to say, "Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously."
Children who exhibit aggressive behavior intend to deliberately hurt others. Aggression in preschoolers can manifest in a number of ways including:
- hitting
- kicking
- spitting
- biting
- pushing
- throwing objects
- destroying public or personal property
Underlying Causes of Aggressive Behavior in Children
There can be a number of underlying issues that cause aggressive behavior in preschoolers including:
- low self esteem
- limited communication or problem solving skills
- frustration
- stress
- exposure to violence in the home or community
- emotional problems
- abuse
- spending time with peers who are aggressive
- temperament
Handling Violent Outbursts in Children
- Since children tend to repeat behaviors that are reinforced, it is important for you to provide them with consistent, positive attention for behaviors that are acceptable.
- Remove children from the stimulant that triggers violent outbursts.
- Your surroundings can set the tone for calm or chaos. So minimize stress levels in the immediate environment.
- Be selective about the types of television programs children watch. Don’t let them view shows that depict violence as humorous, or as a way to deal with problems.
- Acknowledge your preschooler’s feelings while setting boundaries. Maintain eye contact with your child and find ways to help him verbalize his anger. Let him know that it’s okay to be angry but hurting others in not acceptable behavior. You can say, "I understand that you’re angry but I expect you to (state the boundary)."
- Make sure that preschool children have opportunities to expend excess energy by getting plenty of physical activity each day.
- In Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five, the American Academy of Pediatrics says, "One of the best ways to teach your child nonviolence is to control your own temper. If you express your anger in quiet, peaceful ways, he’ll probably follow your example."
- If you know that your preschooler is prone to frequent aggressive outbursts, always be prepared to avert trouble by sticking close by when he is playing with others.
If you feel your preschooler’s aggressive behavior is a result of an underlying emotional issue, contact his doctor immediately.
Charlina Stewart - Charlina has dedicated more than a decade of her life making a positive difference in the lives of children. During her time as an early ...
