Certain children’s behaviors such as scratching, biting or pushing other children around may seem very aggressive from a parent’s perspective. But how many times have you really asked yourself why children act so aggressively?
The reasons vary. Behind this type of action there is always a hidden desire to receive attention and be listened to; you have no idea (since you’re worrying about their behavior), but they are actually just trying to communicate with you.
So, moms, do not panic if your 9 months old boy tries to rip off your nose or starts hitting every child he meets, (I know what you’re thinking “see, it’s all their grandparents fault, they give him to much freedom, now he’ll grow up to become a bully”), he’s actually just looking for a way to make contact with you, which is why we must judge aggressiveness in relation to age.
In their first year, children use aggression as a specific way of reacting to frustrations (for example: hitting an object that bothers them) and as a way of exploring space (for example: harshly moving and throwing toys around). Nonetheless typical actions in this age. While around two-three years old, with the introduction of the word “NO” in their vocabulary, they discover a new way of growing which allows them to distinguish themselves from the rest and assert their will.
Aggressive behavior (verbal or physical chronic violence) is always linked to a specific context and starts manifesting itself in early childhood all the way to adulthood.
Many are the variables that come into play, socio-economical, psychological, biological or those related to risk factors throughout a child’s development.
However, there are two major influential elements that drive a child’s attitude into a violent behavior and these are:
I hope these quick tips will be somehow useful to you. One thing I can tell you as a mom and a psychologist and that’s to have a lot of patience with your kids; and if these behaviors persist over time please visit a specialist, especially if they recur in various contexts simultaneously.
The new collection “Science or Magic” has arrived in Smart Tales with science experiments for little geniuses. Each story is a journey towards a new sensational discovery and with interactive games, children are involved in all the steps of the experiment. It will also be easier to replicate them together, to experience science at home.
Vicky, the naughty monkey
Jeff plays by his own rules