Some children can be pretty stubborn, and they can also get aggressive as well. If your child has been aggressive or stubborn then this is probably how you ended up in this article. This is something I have experienced with my own children.
We will talk about what can cause your child to have aggressive behavior, what to do when your child is being aggressive, and effective strategies for dealing with the behavior.
What Causes Stubborn and Aggressive Behavior in Children?
According to Yale Medicine, there are many factors that can cause this type of behavior in children. One of the most common is that they cannot get what they want. Or are asked to do something that they do not want to do. Anger issues in older children are often accompanied by another mental health condition.
This includes:
- ADHD
- ODD
- Autism
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and,
- Tourette’s Syndrome
Effective Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive Behavior
If you feel like your child is being too aggressive there are ways to deal with the behavior and help it stop.
These are some great ways to help your child.
- The most important thing is to stay calm when they are upset.
- Praise your child when they appropriately express their feelings.
- I do this with my kiddos, and it really does help.
- Do not give in to their demands.
- This shows them that if they act that way long enough, they will get what they want.
- Teach your child problem-solving skills.
- Teach your child good communication skills.
- Help them identify their triggers.
- Give them space.
There are also ways to help prevent aggressive behaviors with your child. Experts say that;
- Avoid threatening your child, instead tell your child what they should do.
- Help them say no in a firm voice instead of fighting.
- Use healthy distractions for your child.
- Control your own temper, remember that they learn from us.
- Be calm and consistent with your child.
When Should You Seek Help for Your Child?
Yale Medicine also gives us signs to watch for on outbursts that should be concerning.
- Your child’s outbursts are happening past the expected age. This is usually around 8 years old.
- If it is dangerous to themselves or other people.
- If this behavior is causing issues at school.
- If it interferes with their ability to make friends and get along with other children.
- If they cause a lot of conflicts at home and disrupt your usual family life.
- If they are upset about not being able to control their frustrations.
Final Thoughts
If you and your child need help managing aggressive behavior, then seeking a professional is wise. It isn’t fair to you, and it isn’t fair to your child to have to deal with this emotional imbalance.
Learning some parent management for the situation could be beneficial to you as well. And what is most important, is helping your child have a healthier way of coping with emotional distress.
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