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Preventing or Reducing a Child's
Aggressive Behavior
 
The child who frequently hits, slaps, and bites other children or destroys their toys is not going through a stage. He is exhibiting an aggressive behavior that is upsetting to parents and other children. Aggressive behavior includes intentionally breaking things; pushing, kicking, or hitting other children; and verbally abusing playmates with threats of violence, excessive name calling, and age-inappropriate swearing.

The following suggestions will help you prevent or reduce aggressive behavior in your child.
  • Keep your child away from people or playmates who act aggressive.
  • Do not roughhouse with an aggressive child. To do so only serves to encourage aggressive behavior.
  • Begin by helping an aggressive child to behave well in situations where he normally does not act aggressively. Later, you can work more directly on the aggressive behavior itself.
  • Steer clear of all forms of physical punishment. Spanking and hitting can teach a child to spank and hit others.
  • Refrain from all forms of verbal abuse.
  • Make sure that each day you give your child at least 50 brief physical touches.

A child's aggressive behavior is much easier to prevent than it is to eliminate. The less aggressive behavior a child is exposed to, the less likely he is to act aggressively toward others.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA FileBHV3302F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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