Aggressive Behaviors

It is oftentimes a response to fear. It is best to de-escalate the behavior ASAP.

SYMPTOMS

Aggressive behaviors manifest in many ways, such as:

  • Verbal: insults and threats

  • Behavioral: pounding, throwing things, or violating other’s personal space

  • Emotional: raised voices or anger 


What can you do?

  • Assess for risk of harm: Is the situation going to escalate or already has (Remove them from the area). If not, use a calm focused tone of voice and redirect their attention to the activity in progress.

  • Never put yourself at risk

  • Have access to an exit

  • Send for help

  • Take threats seriously

  • Send others to another space out of the area if possible and remain calm

  • Listen non-judgmentally: Listen to what they have to say on their level. Allow them to tell you their side.

  • Give reassurance and information: Tell them you hear what they are saying, reassure them so they know they are safe and can express their feelings

  • Encourage appropriate help: Guide them to seek help from appropriate people and not to handle it themselves.

  • Encourage self-help support strategies: Encourage them to figure out the right way to resolve their conflict or grievance. Help them with appropriate strategies to avoid similar instances in the future.

  • De-escalate

  • Speak slowly confidently and with a caring tone of voice

  • Do not raise your voice or respond in a hostile, disciplinary or challengingly manner

  • Do not argue or threaten

  • Use positive words

  • Ask what happened; not what did you do?

  • Avoid nervous behavior

  • Do not restrict their movement (unless they are harming themselves or others then get an adult immediately to apply the holding technique)

  • Keep your distance

  • Invite them to sit down if standing

  • Keep your composure at all times and keep your body language open and relaxed

When the situation is under control, take some time out for yourself. Go get some water or go sit with one of the adult leaders and talk it out. Do not take these actions as a personal reflection of yourself. If given the opportunity, reconnect with the child when he/she has calmed down.

Always use a positive strategy and stay calm when dealing with any of the above situations. Remember that these behaviors range in severity and will manifest in each child in a different way. 


Please remember to be empathetic (put yourself in their shoes). It will go a long way to maintain your sanity. Do not take things personally. Have a plan…assign certain responsibilities to each staff member in your group.