Aggressive/defiant behavior

A severe trauma or being prolonged or repeatedly exposed to traumatic events can constitute a violation of sense of safety and belief in the world as a safe place. Therefore, children and adolescents can show aggressive, defiant behavior.

Aggressive behavior

  • Some children and adolescents bully, threaten, or hit other children.
  • Sometimes children and adolescents force other children into sexual activities.

Serious violation of rules

  •  Sometimes, children and adolescents defy parental prohibitions and rules (for example, staying out at night) and repeatedly run away from home, or skip school at a young age.

Destruction of property

  • Sometimes children and adolescents deliberately engage in fire setting or destroy other`s property.

Lying or theft

  • It may also happen that children and adolescents lie for personal gain (receiving items or favors) or to avoid obligations.
  • Sometimes, children and adolescents steal things of nontrivial value.

Defiant behavior

  • Children and adolescents are often very sensitive, feel quickly annoyed by others and then lose their nerves. They argue and are defiant.

Tips

  • As parents, agree on rules and prohibitions and enforce them consistently. Be a team in front of your child.
  • Ensure your child’s attention when pronouncing rules or prohibitions. Don’t allow distractions like video games or the use of a smartphone when giving instructions.
  • Arrange a sign with your child when they notice that aggression arises. Agree on what to do when it happens (e.g., leaving the situation/room for a short amount of time to calm down).
  • Together with your child, think of strategies for reducing aggression (e.g. boxing in a pillow or punching bag).
  • Praise and reward positive behaviors.
  • Make sure that your child regularly do physical exercise (e.g. by doing sport or activities together).