Causes and Solutions for Aggressive and Strong-Willed Behavior in Children

HPX24h > Parenting Tips > Causes and Solutions for Aggressive and Strong-Willed Behavior in Children

During their development, children may face strong emotions, especially when they feel frustrated or their needs are unmet. One natural response from children is to exhibit anger and display strong-willed behavior as a way to deal with these emotions. However, not all angry behaviors stem from ordinary frustration; sometimes they may reflect a lack of emotional regulation skills. Some studies suggest that these behaviors may indicate that the child has not been equipped with the necessary tools to cope with challenging situations in daily life.

Children sometimes tend to express anger when they feel pressured or lack the attention they need from their parents or caregivers. “When children feel unheard or misunderstood, they will seek to express their emotions through negative behavior,” according to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 2019. This occurs not only when children face difficult situations but also as a result of a stressful family environment or ineffective communication. Children need to learn how to recognize and manage their emotions, and this can be taught with the support of adults.

One important solution is teaching children how to regulate their emotions and solve problems in a healthy way. Behaviors like deep breathing, using words instead of violent actions, or seeking support from adults are methods that can help children improve their self-control. According to psychologist John Gottman’s research, 2004, children who learn to recognize and manage their emotions early tend to develop healthier social relationships as adults. In this way, children not only learn to control their anger but also develop conflict resolution skills in society.

“If adults respond to children’s anger by yelling or threatening, children may feel hurt and become even more frustrated,” according to research by Harvard University, 2021.

However, the way adults respond to children’s anger also plays a crucial role. Maintaining a patient and non-violent response is necessary. “When adults remain calm and patient, children will find it easier to learn how to manage their own emotions,” according to advice from child psychologist Daniel Siegel, 2018.

Another solution is encouraging children to engage in activities that help reduce stress, such as sports, arts, or physical games. A survey from the Child Mind Institute (2022) shows that engaging in these activities helps children develop problem-solving skills and minimize negative behaviors caused by stress. Furthermore, encouraging children to share their emotions and receive support will help them feel loved and cared for, thereby reducing unnecessary anger outbursts

In today’s society, where factors such as technology and academic pressure are increasing, teaching children how to manage their emotions is not only an essential skill but also a key to helping them succeed in the future. When children learn to self-regulate their emotions, they not only become more resilient but also find it easier to integrate and develop social skills in their surrounding environment.