Hitting, Kicking, Biting and Hair Pulling

December 22nd, 2009

How to cope with your child’s aggressive behavior.

by: Elizabeth Pantley

Acting Out

Teach your child how to deal with frustration before an incident occurs using techniques such as role-play.
Give more attention to the injured child rather than the one who did the hitting.
Teach your child positive touch, such as how to hold hands or give a back rub.
Tell your child to clap his hands whenever he feels an urge to hit–this gives him an outlet for his emotions.
If you have a child who has trouble controlling his physical acts, avoid wrestling and other physical play at home.

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hildren resort to aggressive behaviors because of a lack of wisdom and self-control–it is not a sign that they are hateful or mean. Here's how to teach your child to handle his frustration and anger in appropriate ways.

1. Intercede Before Your Child Acts Out

Watch your child during playtime. When you see him becoming frustrated or angry–intervene. Coach him through the issue by teaching him what to do, or modeling what he should say to his friend as opposed to lashing out. If he seems too upset to learn, redirect his attention to another activity until his emotions level out.

2. Teach Your Child How to React >>

acting out, punishment, time out, losing control, toddler, elizabeth pantley, frustration, tantrums, discipline

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1. Intercede Before Your Child Acts Out