1. Family and Human Development Virginia Cooperative Extension
Early Violence Prevention: Techniques for Dealing with a Child's Anger or Aggressive Behavior
Extension Agent, FCS
Karen Lynn Poff, C.F.C.S.
Family and Human Development
Virginia Cooperative Extension

2. Research by Dr. Ronald Slaby on Youth Violence
Conducted interviews with adolescents who had committed violent crimes.
Results showed that the majority of the adolescents:
Lacked the ability to see a number of ways to solve a problem.
Did not perceive that there are consequences for violent behavior.
Source: Violence Prevention Update, Family Information Services, December 1994.

3. Ages and Stages Infants are not yet mobile, express anger by crying
One-year-olds enjoy walking and climbing, begin to use words, express anger by acting out
Two-year-olds use words to communicate, have short attention span, engage in parallel play, express anger with temper tantrums, may bite or hit
Three-year-olds are often cooperative, can make friends, are beginning to share, may still express anger with actions rather than words

4. Ages and Stages
Four-year-olds are very active in their play, engage in dramatic play, play in groups, can express anger with words
Five-year-olds enjoy group activities, have increased self-control, can use language to solve problems

5. Reasons Young Children Behave Aggressively:
Aggressive Behaviors Can Include:
Limited verbal skills
Tired or Hungry
Afraid
Jealous
Frustrated
Screaming
Calling Names
Throwing Things
Hitting or Biting
Kicking
Temper Tantrums

6. Messages To Send to Children
It is OK to feel angry; feeling angry doesn't make you a bad person
Adults and children can remain calm, even when angry
It is not OK to hit (or bite) others, hitting hurts
Adults and children can express anger through words, not actions
Angry feelings are a problem to be solved
We expect that they will learn to control their behavior
We are confident that they can solve problems without aggression

7. Specific Techniques to Use
Intervene before violence occurs and guide children in problem solving
Eliminate rewards for aggression
Support assertive behavior by the victim
Involve children in discussions about alternative solutions at times when aggression is not occurring
Structure meaningful consequences for aggressive behavior
Related corrective consequences
Reparations
Immediate practice of alternative behavior

8. Techniques to Avoid
Giving the aggressor extended attention -- even negative attention can be a reward
Encouraging the child to act out the aggression (by punching a doll, hitting with a padded bat, or other aggressive action)
Research shows this can lead to increased aggression
Intervening in problem situations when children possess problem solving skills

9. Prevention Plan space and activities to prevent problems
Make sure children are not overly tired or hungry
Make sure there are plenty of toys to go around
Eliminate materials that suggest aggression
Include materials that invite cooperation
Make sure the space is not too confining
Move from child-directed activity to adult-directed one
Give advance notice to prepare children for transitions

10. More Prevention "Catch" children being good
Nurture children's self-esteem
Teach children to communicate feelings with words
Use puppets, dolls, and toys to talk about angry feelings
Read stories about angry feelings to children
Conduct age-appropriate group activities (angry march, emotion picture file, angry face puppets)
Get professional help if aggression becomes an ongoing problem for a child