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.
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