Every parent has heard of the "terrible twos." It is a developmental phase characterized by frequent mood changes and temper tantrums that can be stressful at the time, but one that usually ends as the child matures. Occasionally, it can seem that the phase never ends. A child who continues to display aggression into the school years must be appropriately managed to avoid problems with relationships and schoolwork.
Forms of Aggression
Children with aggression can display these behaviors in several ways. Young children may throw temper tantrums or show physical aggression such as biting or hitting. Older children often have more serious methods of displaying aggression such as fighting, threats, cruelty toward animals, or destruction of property and vandalism.
Factors
The American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry lists numerous factors that may contribute to childhood aggression and violence. Previous aggressive or violent behavior can be warning signs of future aggression. Children who have been victims of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse are more likely to act out in aggression. Stressful family situations such as divorce or single parenting and socioeconomic factors such as job loss or poverty can also play a factor in aggression.
Warning Signs
If your child has several risk factors and is showing aggression and violence, the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that parents seek treatment. Warning signs include intense anger and frequent loss of temper. Children with extreme irritability and impulsiveness who become easily frustrated may be demonstrating warning signs. The AACAP states, "Parents and teachers should be careful not to minimize these behaviors in children."
Solutions at Home
Aggressive children can cause great disruption within a family. Parents and caregivers should set firm and consistent limits to ensure that children know which behaviors are not acceptable. "Parents" magazine also recommends teaching children new ways to express their anger and frustrations and encourage self-control within the child. Parents should also control their own temper and not use spanking as a form of discipline. "Parents" reports: "Physical punishment can reinforce a child's aggressiveness toward others."
Treatment
Aggressive behaviors that continue out of control despite intervention at home should be treated by a mental health professional. This treatment should include teaching the child how to best manage his feelings. The child should also be taught that he is responsible for his actions and must accept the consequences of his decisions. Parents should also consider their own behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics states, "One of the best ways to teach him appropriate behavior is to control your own temper."
Prevention
Exposure to violence is a leading cause of aggressive behavior. Parents should be vigilant about turning off violent TV shows, discouraging use of violent video games, and prohibiting violent movies in the home. Parents should also be aware of the warning signs of child abuse and immediately intervene if abuse is suspected. Finally, parents should begin their intervention early. According to the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," aggressive children may struggle with peer relationships, which could further escalate behavior.
