#asktheexpert My son ia 3yrs old amd he has a violent amd aggressive behavior. He goes to play school, there too je exhibits similar behavior. what care should i take in handling him in a better way?

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Accepted Answer

Handling aggressive and violent behavior in a 3-year-old child can be challenging, but with consistency and positive strategies, you can work towards managing and redirecting their behavior. Here are some tips:

1. **Stay Calm:**
   - Stay calm and composed when addressing the behavior. Responding with anger or frustration may escalate the situation.

2. **Set Clear Expectations:**
   - Clearly communicate expectations and rules. Keep them simple and age-appropriate. Reinforce positive behavior with praise.

3. **Use Positive Reinforcement:**
   - Encourage and praise positive behavior. Reinforce the idea that good behavior leads to positive attention.

4. **Teach Alternative Behaviors:**
   - Help the child identify and express their emotions in a more appropriate way. Teach alternative behaviors, such as using words to express frustration.

5. **Establish a Routine:**
   - Establish a consistent daily routine. Predictability can help reduce anxiety and frustration in children.

6. **Provide Choices:**
   - Offer choices to give the child a sense of control. For example, allow them to choose between two options for a particular activity.

7. **Use Time-Outs:**
   - Consider using time-outs as a consequence for aggressive behavior. This involves briefly removing the child from the situation to allow them to calm down.

8. **Monitor Screen Time:**
   - Limit exposure to violent or aggressive content in media. Monitor the child's screen time to ensure it aligns with age-appropriate content.

9. **Encourage Social Skills:**
   - Promote positive social interactions by encouraging sharing, taking turns, and playing cooperatively with others.

10. **Communicate with Preschool Staff:**
    - Maintain open communication with preschool staff. Share information about the strategies you are using at home, and inquire about their approach to handling aggression.

11. **Seek Professional Guidance:**
    - If aggressive behavior persists or intensifies, consider seeking guidance from a pediatrician, child psychologist, or behavioral specialist.

12. **Involve Parents:**
    - Collaborate with other parents of children in the preschool. Sharing experiences and strategies can be helpful, and consistency across environments is crucial.

It's important to note that aggressive behavior in young children can sometimes be a result of frustration, a need for attention, or difficulty expressing emotions. Understanding the underlying reasons can guide your approach in addressing the behavior. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and effective communication with both home and preschool settings can contribute to managing and reducing aggressive behavior over time.

Answer

thank you very much doctor for your guidance.