How to Handle Violent or Aggressive Children in Preschool

Even young children can display excessive aggression including temper tantrums, fighting, biting or destruction of property. If you work in a preschool, you may have children in the classroom who are excessively violent or aggressive. Violent behavior should never be brushed off as a phase. Always take aggression in a preschool child seriously, and learn to manage the behavior for the safety of the child and the child's classmates.

Instructions

    • 1

      Monitor the aggressive child's activity carefully. Look for cues as to what initiates the behavior. Over-stimulation, exhaustion, frustration, stress and delayed speech development can all contribute. Anticipate a volatile situation so you can intervene quickly.

    • 2

      Tell the child to stop her behavior at the least sign of aggression. Remain calm and firm, and do not raise your voice when speaking to her.

    • 3

      Give the child a time-out for 10 minutes. The time-out should begin after she is seated and quiet. After the time-out, do not allow her to rejoin the group until she has played alone for 15 minutes.

    • 4

      Remind her that she needs to behave in an acceptable manner before rejoining the group. Younger children respond to simple explanations. For example, if she bit someone, tell her biting is wrong and hurts the other person.

    • 5

      Ask the parents what consequences for aggressive behavior are imposed at home. Let the parents know you are supportive and want to do what is best for the child. Work together to employ the same disciplinary measures at home and at preschool so the child will know what to expect.

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