Here - Health Promotion Agency

Habits and behaviour
out to buy one or two things
only, and then build up from
there. Once you’ve managed one
quick trip without trouble, you’re
beginning to make progress.
•
Some parents find it helps to
hold their child, quite firmly,
until the tantrum passes,
although a struggling child can
be hard to contain. This usually
only works when your child is
more upset than angry, and when
you yourself are feeling calm and
able to talk gently and reassuringly.
H ITTING, BITING, KICKING, FIGHTING
A child who is aggressive can cause
parents a lot of anxiety, but most young
children will occasionally bite or hit
someone or push another child. So, if
your child is sometimes aggressive, this
does not mean he or she is going to
grow up like this. Toddlers are also
curious and may not understand that
biting or pulling hair hurts. However,
if your child is being aggressive, he or
she needs to understand that this
is not acceptable. Here are some
suggestions for dealing with it.
•
Don’t hit, bite or kick back. It
makes behaving like that seem all
right. You can still make it clear
that it hurts and you won’t allow it.
•
If you’re with other children,
say you’ll leave, or ask others to
leave, if the behaviour continues
– and do it!
•
If the behaviour is directed at
you at home and your warning
is ignored, place your child in
another room, where it is safe for
them to be, for a short period.
•
Talk. Children often go through
patches of insecurity or upset and
let their feelings out by being
aggressive – at playgroup, for
example. If by talking you can
find out what’s worrying your
child, you may be able to help.
•
Try to show your child how
much you love him or her,
even though you don’t love
the way he or she is behaving.
Children who are being aggressive
aren’t so easy to love. But extra
love may be what’s needed.
•
Help your child let his or her
feelings out some other way.
Find a big space, like a park,
and encourage your child to
run and to shout to get rid of the
angry feelings inside. Just letting
your child know that you recognise
the feelings will make it easier for
him or her to express them
without hurting anyone else.
•
If you are seriously concerned
about your child’s behaviour,
talk to your health visitor
or doctor.
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