Aggressive behavior in children may seem like a passing phase or a challenging personality at first. It often shows up in young children and teens as extreme irritability, impulsiveness, or frustration that is easily triggered. Those behaviors can stem from various factors that place children at risk of future aggressive behavior, including abuse, exposure to violence, or stressful family environments.
Children with psychiatric disorders may also display aggressive or disruptive behaviors. In that case, treating the disorder is critical to calming the aggression and restoring peace to the child’s life.
Seeking help for aggression in childhood can feel scary or intimidating. You don’t know how it will impact your child or change the dynamics of your family. Keep in mind that help comes in many forms and is tailored to the needs of every child and family. From residential services to intensive in-home treatments and even crisis interventions, there is something for every situation.
If you aren’t certain that your child’s behavior is concerning or are hesitant to seek help, spend a few minutes thinking about these signs of aggressive behavior in children.
1. Intense Temper Tantrums
All children have temper tantrums, but they typically stop occurring or reduce in frequency before a child enters kindergarten. When tantrums continue beyond that age or become so severe that they threaten the safety of the child or others, they become a serious concern. Tantrums may also become difficult or impossible to manage as a child gets older and stronger.
2. Impulsive Behaviors
What many parents, teachers, and other caregivers refer to as aggressive behavior is sometimes a matter of acting on impulse. The child is simply not thinking about the consequences of their actions. They act quickly and haphazardly, so the consequences are sometimes aggressive or violent.
3. Acts Intended to Hurt or Frighten Others
In some scientific papers, aggressive behaviors are defined as those intended to hurt or frighten a specified target. Any act that is directed at another person or an animal that is done with this intention can qualify as an aggressive act.
For example, a baby may swat his hand at a dog because he’s interested in the animal and wants to touch it. He doesn’t know that it will hurt the dog at that point. When the baby gets older and hits the dog knowing it will hurt him, it becomes an act of aggression.
4. Destruction of Property
Children may accidentally slam a toy down a bit too hard or drop a glass unintentionally. The line is crossed into aggression when the property is intentionally damaged. For example, a child may get angry and break their sibling’s toy on purpose. Another child may throw a glass on the floor, intending to break it and to see how a parent or caregiver reacts.
5. Verbal Tantrums or Attacks
Verbal aggression in childhood is just as concerning as physical aggression. Kids may lash out by calling names, screaming insults, or making loud noises intended to disrupt others. Manipulating conversations and bullying can be considered aggressive as well.
When to Seek Help
Seeking help isn’t just for your child. It’s also essential for the safety of your family and a sense of peace and harmony within your home. If you’ve witnessed some aggressive acts from your child or are concerned about thoughts they’re having, now is the time to reach out to a trained professional.
You shouldn’t wait for your child to do something violent or dangerous to seek help. The best time to intervene is during the early stages of development when your child is showing some tendencies toward aggression. If you’re already past that point, it’s never too late.
Reaching out for help can restore peace to your home. Give your child the guidance they need to reach their full potential while securing resources that you need to help your child from home.
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