Kids' Mental Health: 8 Ways To Calm An Aggressive Child

There are times when kids feel that they are not being understood and they start behaving distantly with their parents. It can also affect kids' mental health as they may pile up their emotions and can also lead to breakdowns. Aggressive behavior in children can be challenging for parents and caregivers to handle. It can be overwhelming, especially when the child is having a meltdown, throwing a tantrum, or acting out physically. Calming an aggressive child can be a challenging process that requires patience. 

It is important to approach the situation calmly and patiently to help the child regulate their emotions and behaviour. Hence, here are some ways that may help calm your child down and bring them closer to you. 

8 Ways To Calm An Aggressive Child

Remain Calm And Composed

There are times when kids act in a certain way and parents react angrily which may scare them. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and react in an emotional and frustrated way. But it is essential to remain calm and understand your child. Shouting or getting angry can escalate the situation and make it more difficult to de-escalate the child's behavior. Take a deep breath, count to ten, or step away from the situation for a moment to collect your thoughts.

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Validate Their Feelings

One of the best ways to help an aggressive child is to listen to their perspective and validate their feelings. When a child feels heard and understood, they are more likely to calm down and regulate their emotions. Ask them what is wrong, and listen attentively to their response. Repeat back to them what you hear them saying and let them know that you understand how they feel. For example, you could say, "I hear that you're feeling angry because your sister took your toy. That must be frustrating for you."

Offer Comfort

When a child is upset, they often need physical comfort in addition to emotional support. Offer a hug or a gentle touch to help them feel safe and secure. This can be particularly effective for younger children who are still learning how to regulate their emotions. You could say, "I'm here for you, and I'm going to help you feel better."

Provide A Quiet Space

If possible, provide a quiet and calm space where the child can retreat to calm down. This could be a bedroom, a playroom, or even a designated area in the living room. Make sure that the space is free from distractions, such as electronic devices or loud noises. Encourage the child to take a break and spend some time alone to collect their thoughts and emotions.

Offer A Distraction

Sometimes, offering a distraction can be an effective way to redirect a child's attention and calm them down. Offer a favorite toy, book, or activity that the child enjoys. This can help shift their focus away from the situation that triggered their aggression and onto something more positive. You could say, "Let's play your favorite game together and forget about what happened earlier."

Encourage Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is an effective technique for regulating emotions and calming the body. Encourage the child to take deep breaths, which can help them relax and calm down. You could say, "Let's take three deep breaths together, in through your nose and out through your mouth."

Set Boundaries

It is important to set clear and consistent boundaries for the child's behavior. Let them know what is and is not acceptable behavior. Explain the consequences of their actions, such as time-out or loss of privileges, if they continue to be aggressive. However, it is important to avoid physical punishment, such as spanking or hitting, which can escalate the situation and be harmful to the child's emotional well-being.

Seek Professional Help

If the child's aggression is persistent or severe, seek professional help from a mental health professional or a pediatrician. They can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the child's behavior. They can also provide strategies and techniques for managing the child's aggression safely and effectively.

(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by  qualified medical professionals.)