Toddlers Aggressive Behaviors .. Here’s What You Should Do (1)

By: Yassmine ElSayed

CAIRO, Dec. 29 (SEE) - Aggression can be a very bad behavior at your little one. But experts affirm that aggressive behaviour is a normal part of your toddler's development.

According to a recent piece ay babycenter.cin, Kids still-emerging language skills and a fierce desire to be independent can lead to frustration, and anger. Add undeveloped impulse control into the mix and your toddler's hitting or biting is completely normal.

But ignoring that behavior is not the right response.

For experts, you should let  your toddlers know that aggressive behaviour is unacceptable and help them to develop other ways to express their feelings.

Here are some few advices on this regard:

• Reward good behaviour

  Rather than giving your toddlers attention only when they misbehave, praise them for being good whenever you can. In other words, aim to give your toddler the most attention for positive behaviour, and cut the time you spend on negative behaviour.

  Heap praise on them when they say what they want, and be specific and honest with it. This helps your toddler to build confidence and feel good about self. In time, they'll realise how powerful words can be.

• Use the following tactics to deal with undesirable behaviour:

1. Follow up aggressive behaviour with logical consequences

If your toddlers gets into the ball pit at the indoor play centre and starts throwing balls at the other kids, take them out. Sit down with them and watch the other children play. Explain that they can go back in again when you feel they're ready to join the fun without hurting anyone.

Try not to reason with your toddlers, for example, by asking them, "How would you like it if she threw the ball at you?"

2. Keep your temper

Shouting, hitting or telling your toddlers they’re naughty won't get them to change their behaviour. In fact, watching you control your temper may be the first step in learning to control theirs.

3. Set clear limits

Try to respond immediately whenever your toddler is aggressive. Don't wait until they hit themselves for the third time. Try to talk to them in a positive way ("The rule is kind hands" or "Please use your indoor voice"). Warn them that if they go on hitting they won't be able to play. If they don't stop, remove them from the situation for a minute or two. Explain then let them go back.

4. Be consistent

Whenever you can, react to each episode the way you did before. Your predictable response ("The rule is gentle hands, remember") will set up a pattern that your toddler will recognise and come to expect. Even when you're out and mortified by your child's behaviour, don't lash out through embarrassment. Remember, other parents have been there too. If people stare, simply say, "Anyone want a two-year-old?"

5. Teach alternatives

Wait until your toddler has settled down, then talk calmly about what happened. Listen to what you will be told and accept their feelings, even if they are angry ones. Stress that it's natural to have angry feelings but it's not fine to show them by hitting, kicking or biting. Help them to find a better way to respond, perhaps by talking about it.