TIPS TO PREVENT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR IN TODDLERS

Written by Feba Maryann

‘Potpourri’! What a word for an effervescent mixture of emotions. Now that’s what our toddlers are. Sometimes, bubbling with enthusiasm, sometimes, overwhelmed by anguish, and even sometimes boiling with anger or just being in their usual tranquil state of mind. They’ve got an emotional range that flickers faster than light. To exhibit assorted traits of all these emotional characters is quite normal in the case of toddlers owing to the tremendous series of developments that occur inside their brain.   

Whilst the dynamic flux of neurochemicals keeps churning their brains, sometimes it makes them wreak havoc on a scale that even outgrows the aggression of a fully grown adult. So, what do you do when things go beyond your line of control? How can you avoid infelicitous situations and defuse the aggressive side of your child? Read on to find out.  

Understand The Intensity Of Their Choices   

Do you remember that one stereotypical argument that a parent would raise when their child tries to express their notions- “You are still a child, What do you know about the world out there!”. See, though the aforementioned has some sense to it, it also implies that you are disregarding your child’s opinions. In the early stages of their lives, though with lesser experience, children would still have a lot to feel for. So, when you deny them the freedom to do so, they might simply resort to a more rough-hewn way of communication that pushes them to get physically aggressive.  

Watch Out For The Trigger Warnings!  

Being a parent gives you the perquisite of having a better insight into the true shades of your toddler. Since they tend to spend a majority of their time with you, they wouldn’t mind being true to themselves around you. This helps you with a better perception of their likes and dislikes. If your toddler acts differently when he or she is overwhelmed, heed to those factors which cause an upsurge in your child’s mind. Though completely avoiding those situations sounds like a great option, it is also vital for them to face it on their own as time advances.  

Do Not Dismiss Their Feelings   

A human can never be happy or sad always and this equilibrium must be kept intact at all costs. As a result of not knowing how to deal with their emotional mess, children often express themselves through violent means. Educate your children to feel all their feelings and allow them to vent their anger, either by being there to talk or even providing them with objects to release their agitation on. Bean bags or other toys can be of great help to channel their angst upon.  

Endure With Patience  

When you reside with your toddler then it goes needless to say that drama is what they look up to. Having a heated environment can give them excitement for no particular reason. That’s when you need to play smart and maintain your serene persona throughout. Though it may sound easier than done, try not to respond to all the dramatic tantrums your child puts up, as it will eventually diminish his or her’s need for attention. Be patient even at the fiercest moments of exhaustion yet be firm and assertive in telling them that physically hurting someone or abusing them is not fine. Interfere whenever necessary to discourage their exposure to violent content in media and entertainment and even while playing with other kids. You can do this by either having a meaningful conversation with your toddler then and there, or later once your child is separated from that agitating situation.  

Be The Change You Want To See In Them  

We are the best examples our kids can learn from. So, if we don’t model good behaviour, it would seem ridiculous to expect it from our children. As parents, our mental age proves to be an added benefit which aids us in identifying and responding appropriately in most situations. Focus even on the most trivial things like refraining from speaking aggressively over the phone or to a pesky neighbour especially in front of your child.  

All Is Well  

Showing signs of aggression in their early years does not suggest that your child holds the nature of criminal interests or other disorders. Learn to accept the fact that these are just some add-ons to an immature restless nature of a toddler. As time progresses, with better learning experiences your child will come of age and act like a fully sophisticated and mature adult.