| Here's a simple 7 Step by Step system that you can | | | | STEP 4: INTERVENE IMMEDIATELY |
| start using to deal with your aggressive children. | | | | Whenever your child becomes aggressive towards |
| STEP 1: MODEL APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR | | | | others or towards his or her own body, have a time |
| Children, during their childhood stages are very | | | | out period. This is for you and them to calm down |
| vulnerable to negative influences. They tend to imitate | | | | before discussing the behavior and alternative |
| what they see, what they hear and what they | | | | behaviors in which you can solve the problems with |
| experience. A bad experience may also lead to them | | | | the current situation. |
| always remembering the incident. Also, aggressive | | | | STEP 5: FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON THE HURT |
| discipline will result in aggressive behavior in the children | | | | CHILD |
| towards other children and even the parent. | | | | Even negative attention will reinforce aggressive |
| Remember, don't do anything negative that you | | | | behavior. Put the aggressor in time out, walk away, |
| wouldn't want your children to imitate you in front of | | | | andcomfort the hurt child. When the aggressor leaves |
| them. | | | | time out with your permission, have him or her do |
| STEP 2: HOUSE INSPECTION | | | | something nice for the hurt child, such as giving a |
| Remember to always inspect your house for possible | | | | favorite blanket or toy. |
| aggression traps. Is there enough room for your | | | | STEP 6: TEACH THEM TO BE ASSERTIVE |
| children to play together and independently? Are there | | | | Teach your children to be assertive and ask for what |
| enough materials for each child to interact with? | | | | they want instead of being aggressive and demanding. |
| Does each child receive an equal amount of positive | | | | When your child screams and throws an empty juice |
| attention from the parent or caregiver? | | | | cup across the room, say, "Do you want more juice? |
| STEP 3: TEACH YOUR CHILD CONTROL EARLY | | | | All you have to do is say, 'Mommy, can I have more |
| As soon as your child throws the first temper tantrum, | | | | juice?' and I will get it." |
| begin to talk about different situations and theemotions | | | | STEP 7: ROLE-PLAY WITH OLDER CHILDREN |
| they evoke. | | | | Make a list of scenarios and ways to ask for things |
| You can say things like, "It's OK to be angry when | | | | such as snacks, money or free time. Talk openly |
| your tower falls, but throwing blocks is not nice. Try | | | | withyour child about feelings and emotions. Discuss |
| again. | | | | different possible responses or refer to the list |
| Mommy doesn't like biting. Biting hurts. Hitting is not nice. | | | | everytime your child uses aggression. |
| Please don't use your hands that way." | | | | I hope these 7 simple steps will give you a better idea |
| Use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling is also a form | | | | of a step by step system how you can deal with an |
| of aggression, in which your child might imitate your | | | | aggressive children. |
| actions. | | | | |