After reviewing the article "Managing Aggressive Behavior in Young Children" by former Early Childhood Professor Carolyn R. Tomlin, I thought I would share a few of my own personal thoughts:
Dr. James Hymes stated that “Discipline is the slow, bit by bit, time consuming task of helping to see the sense in acting in a certain way.” The author of the article, a former early Childhood Professor proposes this thought-provoking question: Since experiences during early childhood and adolescence have a significant influence on later behavior, shouldn’t it be possible to observe how children develop and how they are influenced by experiences in order to find ways to help people live happy, fulfilling lives? The article then covers current theories and practices, suggestions for managing behavior, and historical thoughts on behavior.
Some people choose to spank their children. Others aim towards children’s social adjustment. One former spanker looks back and admits that her tactic failed. She said, “We yell or shout at them in angry tones and then we scold them for engaging in shouting matches with their peers. We criticize them, embarrass and humiliate them in front of others as if they were robots instead of human beings, but we are outraged when they indulge in name calling, hurt their friends with labels such as “Fatso” or Dummy,” or resort to racial slurs and name calling.” Modeling is such a huge contributor to children’s behavior. I found this mother’s statements so simple, but so profound! How can we expect any different of our students or our children when we do nothing but show them the exact opposite of the desired behavior? It is ironic.
There is a general consensus among developmental theorists that early experiences shape behavior. Dating back as early as Plato and Aristotle discussions about behavior and development emerged. While Plato believed we needed training, Aristotle argued that not all respond to it. John Locke took on more of a behaviorist approach with the idea that “all ideas in minds of children come from observation and experience” (Tomlin). By the 1900’s Watson declared that he could train any infant to become anything, regardless of his background. Maslow put less emphasis on external forces, while Skinner found outside causes most important. Today many believe that many of the changes take place from within.
Studies suggest that “early experiences lay down neural paths in a child’s brain at a time when synaptic pathways can be created more rapidly compared with later life” (Tomlin). The article makes a few valuable suggestions for managing aggressive behavior including: teaching children not to be a victim, not allowing aggressive behavior, decreasing exposure to violence, and showing love and consistency. Encourage children to use their words to express their feelings. Discuss & resolve conflicts together. Set rules firmly and generate alternatives. Model positive anger management and limit exposure to violent media. Show lots of love and spend time and play with your children individually. Follow through no matter what. Our goal as caregivers should be to help children learn to help themselves.
Tomlin, Carolyn R. (2007). Managing Aggressive Behavior in Young Children. 17 November 2008. http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_print.aspx?Arti...