An aggressive toddler that bites and hits others when angry can be concerning for parents.
There are times when your toddler's behaviour embraces and warms your heart. But sometimes, their behaviour might test your patience and drive you crazy. As a preschooler or toddler, your little one may not possess the self-control to express anger in a peaceful manner and may lash out, perhaps in the form of biting or hitting others in frustration. Below are some effective tips that can help you correct your toddler's aggressive behaviour gently.
Use healthy distractions
While it is essential to teach your toddler other ways to respond, there is nothing wrong with distracting them at times. You may distract them in any possible way - it is fine as long as you are not bribing them to behave properly by offering snacks or chocolate. Intentionally changing your child’s focus in a healthy way can be helpful.
Begin with values
The foundation of discipline should always be placed upon well-communicated and well-established values. When a family lays down a foundation of positive and prosocial values - it becomes easier to enforce rules. If peaceful resolution and non-violence is your family value, every member of the family should practice them. And you should clearly state the rules associated with those values: “We do not hurt other people” will suffice.
Implement time-outs
There is also nothing wrong in using the time-out strategy when your toddler's behaviour is violent and inappropriate, and it can be used with kids as young as one year old.
Remove your toddler from heated situations.
You might have heard it before from your parents: “If you do not stop now, I will have to send you to your room.” This is an effective strategy for some toddlers. Calmly removing your toddler from a heated situation can serve as the best solution to avoid the hitting problem. You may have to follow this strategy multiple times for your child to realize that the consequences of their violent actions may involve not being able to play with others for a while if they hit.
Restrict them physically
If your toddler gets out of control while hitting, then being physically secure can help them calm down. If your child is physically strong, this could seem difficult at times. So keep this as your final course of action. Physical restraining should not be painful to your child in any way; it should be like a firm and calming embrace that prevents them from hitting others or themselves.
The ideal way of preventing aggressive behaviour in toddlers is to offer a secure and stable life with loving and firm discipline during their preschool years.
