Factors that contribute to a child’s struggles with anger and aggression include frustration when they are not able to get what they want
No one likes to be angry - but we all experience the emotion from time to time. While many adults find it hard to express anger in ways that are healthy and productive – children more often burst into irritation and annoyance as they cannot handle their vexed feelings. More parents are left wondering if the way their child behaves is normal.
According to experts, there are various factors that contribute to a child’s struggles with anger and aggression - which includes frustration when they are not able to get what they want or have asked for something which was refused by parents. Mental health experts say for children, anger issues often accompany other psychological conditions, including ADHD, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette’s syndrome.
How do genetics play an important role in a child’s behaviour?
Experts say genetics and other biological factors, including the environment, play an important role in fueling aggression. Trauma, family dysfunction, and certain parenting styles – including harsh and punishment-driven behaviour from parents - also make it more likely that a child will exhibit anger.
Studies say genes influence a child's temperament, which is their early-appearing behavioral tendencies. Twin and adoption studies have found that genes account for 20-60 per cent of the variability in temperament.
What are the signs of aggression in children?
According to experts, children and teenagers do not always show aggression in the same ways as adults. Along with physical actions like kicking, hitting, and pushing, aggression in a child might involve:
- Explosive and violent tantrums
- Taunting and insulting peers to provoke a reaction
- Threatening to hurt someone else
- Using toys or other objects as weapons
- Hurting animals
- Destroying other people’s belongings or damaging property
- Lying and stealing
Ways to shape your child’s behaviour
Teach them the rules
Children have to be taught the rules you have set for your family – which include expectations for behaviour that you need to take seriously.
Encourage feelings
You need to encourage your children to express what they are feeling openly without judging them.
Do not threats
Rather than saying, "Stop it or else," it is always more effective to teach alternative behaviour. Briefly ignore the minor misbehavior, then tell your child what to do instead.
Always compliment for good work
If the child exhibits good discipline, make sure to give them praise and genuine affection which helps encourage them to do better.
Use healthy distractions
Whenever you teach your child appropriate ways to respond, it is best to distract them when they are starting to get upset – as it is to help calm them down.
Control your own temper
One of the best ways to teach your children appropriate behaviour is to watch your own temper.
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