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Mean Behavior
Big feelings can be overwhelming and may cause a little one to act out or behave aggressively, but you can help kids cope with big feelings and ease their aggression.
Young children are still learning to express their emotions in productive ways. Big feelings can be overwhelming and may cause a little one to act out or behave aggressively.
Here are some ways you can help kids cope with big feelings and ease their aggression:
- Remind kids that they can choose how they behave. Ask, “When you were feeling that way, what else could you have done?”
- Share some phrases that kids can quietly say to themselves in heated moments, such as, “Tell, don’t touch,” or “Say it with words.”
- Help kids calm down when they’re feeling angry or frustrated so that they don’t act aggressively towards themselves or others. Encourage them to find a quiet place and slowly take deep breaths, or whisper calming phrases to themselves, such as “Calm down,” or “Breathe in, breathe out.”
- Sometimes a hug can be very calming. Let them know that you or another caring adult will always be there for a hug.
![Two adults and children are engaging in nature and outdoor activities.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-PSEG-Article-Community-667x500.jpg)
Engaging Kids with Nature and Community: Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Learning to care for the environment starts with loving the natural world around you.
![A child and caregiver are folding clothes.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-PSEG-Article-SmallActions-667x500.jpg)
Empowering Kids to Make a Big Impact in Their Communities
Learning about what makes a community is the first step in learning how to take care of our communities!
![Elmo and Abby's family is helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-GardenofSupport-667x500.jpg)
A Garden of Support
Communities can tackle big problems by working together!
![Julia and Julia's family helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-HelpingHomeNeighbohood-667x500.jpg)
Helping at Home, Helping the Neighborhood
Little acts can make a big difference.
![Printable Community Connection.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-CommunityConnections-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Community Connections
Showing our love through art is one great way to care for one another.
![Abby and Maggie Cadabby helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-LittleHelpersBigHelping-667x500.jpg)
Little Helpers, Big Helping
Kids are never too little to make a big difference!
![A Grown-up and child helping out in a community garden.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Webinar_LittleNeighbors-667x500.jpg)
Little Neighbors: Fostering Community Connection, Engagement, and Exploration