Notes that while hitting-aggressive behavior is probably the greatest single behavior concern of teachers, children can be taught appropriate behavior for the classroom. Offers tips for dealing with: roughhousing; existing problems; grabbing toys; and war games, guns, or violent play. Suggests allowing children the choice of an alternative…

Factors that affect the way children play at home and at school were investigated using a parental survey and discussions with students. Subsequently, a plan to reduce violent play was implemented in a kindergarten classroom. Evaluation findings showed a slight decline in children's aggressive play. (JPB)

Demonstrates how rebellion and opposition can be recast as signs of inner strength and resilience and documents strategies for reclaiming oppositional youth. Describes intervention with Kevin (from "My Independence Day," this issue) who had been removed from multiple treatment placements, and explains strategies for empowering oppositional youth.…

This article describes a case study in the use of the Family Check-Up (FCU), a family-based and ecological preventive intervention for children at risk for problem behavior. The FCU is an assessment-driven intervention that utilizes a health maintenance model; emphasizes motivation for change; and offers an adaptive, tailored approach to…

Notes the shift in bullying behavior to more vicious, violent acts. Explores factors contributing to this behavior, how some schools fail to address the problem, and steps parents can take to keep their child safe and to work with schools to prevent aggressive behavior. (HTH)

Discusses the role of anger in young children and its relationship to learning and suggests specific approaches and techniques for managing aggression in young children. Cites over a dozen strategies for teaching children more effective mastery of their angry feelings. (BR)

This Boys' Town paper for parents examines the reactive aggression of children who respond aggressively to what they view as provocation. The paper differentiates between reactive and proactive aggression by presenting examples of each. Factors that can increase aggression in families are noted, including punishment acceleration, crossover,…

While most are familiar with the expression, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," children are often hurt by name-calling. This video with accompanying six page study guide is intended to show the effects of name-calling and inspire children to treat others with kindness and acceptance. The 22-minute video…

Recommends identifying elements in the physical classroom and the daily schedule that may contribute to children's aggressive behaviors. Suggests observing the child and looking at the daily routine as the basis for creating a suitable environment. Lists ways to reduce stimulation and stress, and identifies benefits of extended play time. (DLH)

This action research project evaluated a program for improving student discipline and developing a positive classroom environment. The targeted populations consisted of prekindergarten, first-, and fifth-grade students in two middle class suburbs of Chicago (Illinois). Changes in behavior were documented through behavior checklists, parental…

Background: We examined the therapeutic alliance in evidence-based treatment for children (N = 77, 19 girls, 58 boys, ages 6-14) referred clinically for oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. Method: Different alliances (child-therapist, parent-therapist) were assessed from each participant's perspective at two points over the course…

This Boys' Town guide for parents focuses on proactive aggression, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it. The guide differentiates proactive and reactive aggression, describes potential causes, and presents suggestions for eliminating inappropriate behavior. One parent-child scenario is described in which unwitting parents with the best of…

This book describes survey data and an intervention program conducted in Sweden and Norway as part of a government-led nationwide campaign against bullying. The survey data support some conventional wisdom about bullying, but also destroy many longheld myths about bullies and victims. The goals of the intervention program were to: (1) reduce or…

Based on the view that as parents and families explore the meaning of peace, they can create safe and harmonious homes in which all members can grow to the fullest and begin to combat violent tendencies in the larger culture, peaceful parenting evolved as a way to help parents become familiar with basic skills and to use them within their own…

This article discusses explanations for aggressive biting among young children and describes an intervention for family or early childhood settings. Strategies include avoiding labeling the child, teaching the child to view biting as unsafe, teaching appropriate play behaviors with peers, acknowledging appropriate behaviors, providing…