Most people feel angry or aggressive from time to time, but adults generally have learned how to keep their feelings in check. If your child is more susceptible to angry feelings, you may find that he lashes out by biting, kicking and hitting. You can nip your child's aggressive behavior in the bud by helping him develop self-discipline and by helping him find an appropriate outlet for his feelings.
Step 1
Show your child what healthy anger management looks like by setting a firm example. If a child witnesses rampant aggression in parents, they may have a harder time withholding their own aggression. Step back from emotional situations, and demonstrate respectful behavior so that your child will learn to express her own anger in less aggressive ways.
Step 2
Respond consistently to bad behavior. When your younger child hits, kicks or bites, take him aside and firmly inform him that hitting is not allowed, so that he understands what he's not supposed to do. Parents Magazine recommends setting consistent, clear expectations of behavior. If he repeats that action, warn him again with consequence. If the behavior is repeated, have him sit in time-out for one minute per year of age. After time-out, calmly ask him to recap why he's was punished, and have him apologize to the person he hurt.
Step 3
Resist the urge to spank your child. Physically punishing your child can reinforce her aggressiveness by teaching her that she can use the same "punishment" to handle behaviors she doesn't like in others, advises Parents Magazine.
Step 4
Praise and reinforce positive acts. If your child has an aggression-free play date, praise his cooperation and good behavior. Just as he should know that displays of aggression will not get him what he wants, he should also know that good behavior makes others happy and may result in positive attention.
Step 5
Give your child an outlet for her stress. You may be able to circumvent aggressive behavior by suggesting and encouraging physical activity or creative endeavors.
Step 6
Speak with your pediatrician if your child consistently acts in ways that are harmful, dangerous or disrespectful to others or property, or if you notice changes in his behavior or symptoms such as headaches or trouble sleeping, advises the University of Michigan Health System. Getting help as soon as possible will help your child cope with his symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Time-out chair or mat
