Violence in older children is a real problem that requires real action. Violent behavior becomes worse when the problem is ignored and can potentially escalate to horrific actions such as murder or sexual assault. Understanding the warning signs and taking action early will decrease violent incidence and help rehabilitate your child before its too late. If you encounter violence from your child, don't hesitate to step in and ask for help when needed.
Step 1
Provide consequences that must be met when your child exhibits violent behavior. Threatening to take away privileges or other forms of punishment will not work if you don't back them up. Providing consequences will show your child that his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Step 2
Attend counseling sessions with your child. Violence is usually a result of a deeper issue in the child's life. Counseling helps bring these issues out into the open and allows you to effectively work through any problems, decreasing your child's anger and hostility.
Step 3
Monitor your child's online access and entertainment choices. Violent games, TV shows and music are sending the wrong message to impressionable pre teens and teens. This gives your child the idea that everyone is violent and therefore, to fit in, they should be too. With time the behavior becomes second nature to her.
Step 4
Talk with your child regularly about school, after school activities, friends and peer pressure. It is important to let your child know that you are there for him and are concerned for his safety and well being. Most violent children may feel neglected by parents or guardians, thus they take out frustrations in an unhealthy manner such as hitting and verbal abuse.
Step 5
Call the police should violence escalate to property damage or physical harm to you or another family member at the hands of your child. This will send the message to her that you will do whatever it takes to stop her behavior and that she is not exempt from the law just because she is a minor. Most kids will get this message loud and clear.
Step 6
Speak with school authority figures such as teachers and principals for assistance. If your child is violent at home, then chances are he is violent at school as well. Request a parent teacher conference and form a safety plan to give your child alternatives to dealing with emotional stress and anxieties while at school and at home. Some children can't understand social implications when trying to solve problems with violence, and alternative solutions are important to this learning process.
