VIOLENT BEHAVIOR – CHILDREN AT RISK
We live in a world where violence appears to be common and almost acceptable. On television, movies, and video games children are subjected to various kinds of violent, disrespectful and aggressive behavior. This can be displayed by children acting out what they see. These behaviors can result in other behaviors such as lying and stealing. Children who begin to show aggressive, antisocial behaviors earlier in childhood are most likely, without intervention, to progress to more serious behaviors.
There are certain risk factors associated with children who go on to commit aggressive acts. There is no single cause, but all the risk factors should be considered in trying to understand a child’s aggression and risk for violent behavior. Here are some risk factors to be aware of: * (The risk factors stated here are not meant to diagnosis or label a child, they are simply observations that should be brought to the parent’s attention, so they can talk to their pediatrician).
TEMPERMENT
Children are born with different temperaments. It is the irritable, difficult to soothe child who is prone to overreact to frustration experiences. These children are less able to monitor internal responses.
For example: The child who reacts strongly and violently when a toy is taken from him. The child’s reaction far out weights what has actually happened. This tendency is a trait that puts them at risk throughout life.
COGNATIVE ABILITY
Children with lower-than-average IQ and difficulty with verbal expression, planning, organization and self-regulation are more likely to be antisocial. Professionals can determine if school failure is causing the aggression and determine the best course or action for the child.
IMPULSIVITY
Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, with impulsivity can have a hard time being attentive. Impulsivity can play a role in anti-social, risk taking behavior.
FAMILY LIFE
Children at risk often come from families at risk. These children often have a greater potential for problems due to the influence of the inadequate parenting environment. As a family childcare provider, you are mandated to report if you suspect child abuse or neglect.
EXPOSURE TO AGGRESSION
Children who have witnessed, or been the victim of aggression, are more prone to becoming violent. Depending on the amount of aggression a child lives with, it may be viewed as acceptable behavior. The child’s aggression may reach unmanageable proportions. The more aggression a child is exposed to, the more they become desensitized to aggression and increase their aggression toward others.
WEAPONS
Child who are exposed to weapons in the home can be very dangerous especially if those weapons are not kept in a safe place. Exposure and accessibility to guns has caused an increase in suicide and accidental shootings.
IMITATION
Some children with aggressive tendencies, who might have considered a particular course of action on their own, may copy behavior that they see publicized. The exposure of news about violent events not only provides examples of behaviors, it also brings the people and events notoriety. Thus, the child with low self-esteem who is seeking to elevate his status and retaliate for feeling rejected or isolated may be provoked to use violent measures.
There are other warning signs that a provider would want to look out for.
PRESCHOOL CHILD
• Many tantrums in a single day, and often the child cannot be calmed
• Have aggressive outbursts with no apparent reason
• Is excessively active, impulsive and fearless
• Poor adherence to rules, low frustration tolerance
• Fight with peers and hitting adults
• Does not appear to be attached to parents
• Engages in play with violent themes
SCHOOL AGE CHILD
• Has difficulty paying attention and concentrating; is often disruptive
• Often gets into fights
• Is quick to anger, blame and seek revenge
• Is preoccupied with aggression in games and television
• Is cruel or violent with pets
• Is often rejected by peers and seeks out aggressive children
Family childcare allows a provider to offer structure to children who may not have a great deal of structure other than when in childcare. It is always importnat that providers document their observations regarding the behavior of children in their programs. In this way the provider is able to communicate her observations to a parent in an organized way. This obligation is especially important to children who are experiencing behavioral problems. Early intervention, when necessary, can go a long way in enhancing the quality of life for a child exhibiting emotional and/or social problems.
When sharing your concerns and notes with parents, concentrate on the facts in your notes. Avoid labeling the child as ‘bad’ or ‘aggressive’. You should convey to the parents it is the behavior that is ‘bad’ or ‘aggressive’. It is the behavior that the parent needs to address. It is the parent’s pediatrician who is best able to recommend early intervention or programs to address the behavior.