Aggressive behaviors typically refer to those that threaten, attempt to, or engage in behaviors that could potentially harm another person. The most typical aggressive behaviors among children are verbally aggressive behaviors, defined as name calling, making threats, using a harsh words, and/or screaming as well as physically aggressive behaviors, defined as hitting, spitting, kicking, and/or throwing objects at another person. Behaviors, such as consistently being late, refusing to complete tasks, and making negative comments are often labeled "passive" aggressive behaviors and typically only seen in older individuals.
Aggressive behaviors are present during all stages of life and should be considered normal at certain points. They start in infancy with angry crying and according to normal development will eventually sort themselves into more defined states, such as frustration and assertiveness. However, aggressive behaviors that occur in high frequencies, are intense in quality, or cause caregiver concern should be immediately addressed to determine their function. Without proper treatment, these behaviors can quickly escalate to unacceptable, unsafe limits and hinder the social, academic, and emotional development of the child.
Many caregivers wonder what is and what is not normal aggressive behavior. For starters...How much fighting is considered normal among siblings? What age should this behavior be expected to stop? What degree of assertiveness is appropriate among peers? What does typical teen resistance towards authority look like? The best answer to this question is if the behavior is seen as a concern by the childs teachers, peers, and/or parents, it most likely is one.
All children consider engaging in aggressive behavior, and within certain limits, these impulses and even the occasional occurrence should be seen as a normal and healthy part of development. However, the impulses can quickly cause problems when the child does not posses the self-control to manage their feelings. By developmental age 3 to 4, children should know that verbal and physical aggression is not acceptable. Parents should expect their children to displayappropriate behaviors when angry or frustrated. This means, that the teaching needs to begin early on.
It is important to realize that aggressive behaviors function for one/many of the following reasons: to gain access to attention, gain access to a denied item/activity, escape a demand, and/or for sensory input. Challenges such as Autism and/or ADHD, may make the behavior more pronounced and definitely tougher to treat. However, the functions still remain the same. Most importantly, if you are unsure of when it is appropriate and how to address the behaviors, it is highly recommended that you seek assistance in developing a plan of action to make sure the concerns do not escalate into a problem.
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