My son is 17 months and he goes to daycare, they told me yesterday that he was pushing down the other kids and jumping on there backs. His teacher said that his aggressive behavior is getting better cause she has been working with him. I can say that he does get his way and everything that he wants. I don’t know how to teach him and I just want someone to let me know if there is anything I should be worried about.
Gatormom
I would ask your doctor for a referral to a play therapist and find out where all this aggression is coming from. Is he exposed to anyone who is acting out aggressively towards him? Aggression is more common in children who are taught or experience aggression.
I am slightly offended by the response of the daycare provider. Being told he is doing better because they are working with him is hardly consoling to the toddlers who are victimized by the aggression or the parents of the other children. Is there something you should be worried about? Yes, how he is acting out on other children who may or mayn’t know how to defend themselves. Babies and toddlers experience trauma when they are hit. Their little bodies release hormones to help them stabilize against the violence.
Any child who hits needs to be evaluated and worked with by a professional. I strongly suggest play therapist with experience with ages 0-5.
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
