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How to Reduce Aggressive Behaviors in Young Children

Aggressive behaviors such as hitting, pushing, yelling, or throwing objects can be challenging for both families and caregivers. In young children, these behaviors are often a way of communicating feelings, rather than intentional misbehavior.

At Golden City CDC, Inc., our Child Care Center supports children with guidance, structure, and positive strategies so they can learn healthier ways to express emotions.

Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Young Children

Young children are still developing important skills such as:

  • Language

  • Emotional regulation

  • Impulse control

  • Social problem solving

When children feel frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, or misunderstood, aggression may occur because they do not yet have the tools to manage strong emotions.

Common Reasons Aggression Occurs

Aggressive behaviors are usually triggered by unmet needs or big emotions, such as:

  • Difficulty expressing feelings with words

  • Frustration during play or transitions

  • Overstimulation or fatigue

  • Seeking attention or connection

  • Struggling to share or take turns

Understanding the cause helps caregivers and parents respond effectively.

How Behavior Support at Golden City CDC Helps

Our behavior support focuses on teaching skills, not punishment.

1. Teaching Emotional Awareness

Children are guided to recognize and name their feelings using simple language, such as:

  • “I feel mad”

  • “I feel sad”

  • “I need help”

This helps reduce frustration-driven reactions.

2. Modeling Calm Behavior

Caregivers model respectful communication and calm responses, showing children safe ways to handle strong emotions.

3. Setting Clear and Consistent Expectations

Children feel secure when rules are simple, clear, and consistent, for example:

  • “Hands are for helping, not hurting”

  • “We use words, not hitting”

4. Positive Reinforcement

Caregivers notice and praise positive behaviors, which encourages children to repeat them:

  • Sharing

  • Waiting patiently

  • Using words to solve problems

5. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills

Children learn to:

  • Ask for help

  • Take turns

  • Walk away from conflict

  • Use calming strategies like deep breaths

These skills gradually replace aggressive responses.

Environmental and Routine Support

Golden City CDC may also reduce aggression by adjusting:

  • Daily schedules and transitions

  • Classroom layout and supervision

  • Group size and activity pacing

  • Sensory supports and quiet spaces

A well-structured environment helps children feel safe and regulated.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Consistency between home and child care makes a big difference. Parents can help by:

  • Staying calm during challenging moments

  • Using simple, consistent language

  • Teaching feeling words

  • Offering choices to reduce frustration

  • Praising positive behavior

  • Keeping routines predictable

Avoiding harsh punishment helps children learn better self-control.

Will Aggressive Behavior Last?

In most cases, aggressive behaviors decrease as children develop:

  • Better language skills

  • Emotional understanding

  • Self-regulation abilities

  • Social skills

With patience, structure, and consistent support, children learn healthier ways to express themselves.

Need More Information?

For more information on how Golden City CDC, Inc., a licensed Child Care Center, supports children and families, please visit:
https://www.goldencitycdc.com/