There are a lot of moments when your child’s actions will make your heart feel warm and fuzzy inside. On the other hand, there are undoubtedly other moments when it drives you a little bit insane.
For many parents, the period beginning at 18 months and ending at four years is filled with excitement and difficulty. At this point in their development, toddlers and preschoolers are beginning to understand that they are unique individuals who exist within the context of their families and parents. This is the stage in which kids become capable of –
- Expressing themselves
- Conveying their preferences
- Acting autonomously for the first time
Because they have difficulty expressing themselves, particularly when they attempt to do so via words, they rely on their behavior to convey the message they wish to convey. As a result, there is some hostility on occasion. Young children struggle to control their feelings. So they require your assistance in this area.
Your kid may not have the self-control necessary to communicate anger calmly when they are toddlers or preschoolers. As a result, they may naturally lash out, sometimes biting or punching in frustration.
A few ways to minimize aggressive behavior in kids are:
- Take a look at them:
Before you try to find a solution to their aggressive conduct, you should make an effort to first identify the factors that are contributing to it. It will be much simpler to get ready for confrontations if you recognize the circumstances that tend to bring on aggressive behavior and make a mental note of them.
- Change the direction of the behavior:
It would be best to consider ways to redirect your child’s conduct now that you have prepared for potential events that might trigger your child’s aggressive behavior. Try to refrain from responding in a harsh or punitive manner.
- Set limits:
Even if you don’t want to discipline your child for their physical aggression by yelling at them, they need to comprehend that there are bounds to everything. Ensure they know the behaviors that will not be supported or accepted. Also, ensure they comprehend why. Do not put off having a conversation with them and changing their conduct if they hit, kick, or damage another person. Have a conversation with them in private and explain to them why such actions are not acceptable.
- Encourage them to investigate alternative methods for dealing with their anger:
Assist your child in developing new coping mechanisms for dealing with negative feelings, such as rage, so they don’t act out physically. Ask them what triggered their anger and help them overcome it by conversing with them. Helping them express themselves through words or breathing exercises is better than struggling with their body.
The more adept they become at conveying how they feel to others, the less probable they will resort to aggressive behavior.
- Applaud them for the good behavior they’ve displayed:
The most effective method for reinforcing positive behaviors is to ensure they are noticed. Complimenting your child each time they choose to behave in a nonviolent manner is a much more effective method of preventing aggressive behavior than penalizing them.
Rewards are another option. But you should avoid being excessive with them.
- Inculcate self-control:
Toddlers and preschoolers cannot automatically exercise self-control over their feelings. You are responsible for instructing kids on the appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
When kids are frustrated, they need to learn that they should not strike, kick, or damage anyone else. They cannot keep their actions in check without the direction and advice you provide.
- Do not inflict physical pain on them in the name of discipline:
The majority of the time, the children who cause physical harm to others are also the ones whose parents choose to discipline them physically.
Because it gives young children the sense that this is an appropriate way to treat someone when they have done something wrong or misbehaved, this behavior should be firmly discouraged.
Never use spanking to enforce discipline on your child since research shows that physical punishment makes children more hostile toward others.
- Maintain self-control in these situations:
Young children in this age range look up to and admire their parents. They do and pay attention to everything you say and do. Demonstrate to your child how you can keep your cool under pressure by serving as a positive example for them to follow. There will never be a time when your challenges will not put your patience to the ultimate test.
On the other hand, this presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the appropriate ways to behave when confronted with improbable events. Demonstrate to them how you take a deep breath and use your positive coping abilities to manage the circumstance. They are more likely to behave in the same manner.
Use these tips to appropriate and desired responses from your kids.