ABSTRACT
Aggressive and destructive children usually cannot be contained purely by the ignoring and rewarding methods described in the previous chapter, so parents need to learn alternative management methods that will enable them to gain rapid and effective control. It is not possible nor is it appropriate to ignore behaviour that involves breaking toys, destroying furniture, or hurting others. Children need to understand and learn where the limit is for their behaviour. They need to be taught the consequences of their behaviour and that it is not acceptable. Violent actions are often the result of experimentation, anger and frustration, or lack of selfcontrol. They are easily imitated and winning provides the child with a sense of satisfaction and power. This pattern of behaving can become habitual as the child either learns to vent angry feelings or uses aggression and violence to control others.
