It is common for kids and adults alike to struggle with how to respond when they are angry or overwhelmed, but aggression and intimidation is never the answer. Here at Empowering Parents we believe, as James Lehman said, “There is no excuse for abuse.” Children become aggressive for many reasons, but often it comes back to the same place so many negative behaviors start: a lack of problem solving skills. To change this negative pattern of behavior, it is necessary for one to replace the aggressive and abusive acting out behaviors with healthier, more appropriate ways of solving the problem. If your child is verbally or physically aggressive and you fear that it may get worse if it is not addressed, important things to remember are you’re not alone, you’re not a “bad” parent and you don’t have a “bad” child. What you do have is a challenging situation that needs to be managed immediately and effectively. In the articles below, our experts offer real solutions to help you address your child's aggression so that you can take that next step towards lasting change.
I’ve talked with a lot of parents who feel out of control in the face of their child’s anger and aggression. In fact, I can’t tell you how many moms and dads have said, “I feel like I’m failing at parenting." In my opinion, it’s not so important why you as a parent aren’t effective... Read more »
“You know the kid that no one wants to play with? The kid who stands alone at recess or lunch? Who never gets invited to birthday parties? That’s my kid. And it breaks my heart.” When a child is aggressive toward others—hitting, screaming, pushing, throwing things—the natural response of others is to avoid this child.... Read more »
In part 2 of this two-part series, James discusses exactly what to do when your children get in trouble for fighting at school or at home—and the right kinds of consequences to give them so they learn to use appropriate behavior instead of lashing out when they feel like hitting someone the next time. Read... Read more »
Does your child always seem to get in trouble for fighting? You’ve tried talking to him, but the aggressive behavior hasn’t stopped—he still roughhouses with his siblings at home to the point of injury, brawls with kids on the bus and gets into fistfights at school. In part 1 of this two-part series on aggressive... Read more »
