According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ASCAP), children as young as preschool age can exhibit violent behavior. Violent or aggressive behavior in a child of any age always must be taken seriously. Children who behave aggressively and violently wish to purposely harm others. Aggression and violence in children can manifest through kicking, spitting, biting, pushing, hitting, throwing objects and destroying personal or public property. Causes of childhood aggression include frustration, stress, low self-esteem, poor problem-solving ability, emotional problems, temperament, exposure to violence at home or in the community and abuse.
Step 1
Remove violent children from stimulants that trigger outbursts of aggression.
Step 2
Make your home environment as stress-free as possible. Set the tone for peace and tranquillity in your home to help your violent children feel calm.
Step 3
Be selective about what kinds of television shows you allow your aggressive children to watch. Do not allow them to see shows that portray violence as being funny or an acceptable way to handle problems in life.
Step 4
Give your violent children opportunities to get rid of their excess energy by allowing them to play outside and to run around freely. Sign them up for classes that encourage channeling physical energy into more spiritual goals, such as karate, yoga and qigong.
Step 5
Provide your aggressive children with consistent, positive attention during the times when they behave appropriately and acceptably. Understand that children tend to repeat behaviors that are reinforced by parental attention, so pay attention to the positive things your children do to encourage them to continue behaving well.
Step 6
Set a positive example for your violent children by controlling your own temper. Learn how to express your own anger in peaceful and quiet ways, as this behavior can serve as a model for your children to follow when they get upset.
Step 7
Acknowledge your aggressive children's feelings when you set boundaries for acceptable behavior, particularly when their anger becomes triggered. Gently inform them that it is fine to feel angry from time to time, but they may not hurt others when this happens. Say something like, "I know you feel angry right now, but I expect you to keep your hands to yourself."
Step 8
Stay close to violent children when they play with others to avert aggressive outbursts.
Tips and Warnings
- If you think your children's violent behavior is due to emotional problems they have, contact your doctor about it immediately.
