JCC New Albany News

By Nancy Thoman

I recently came across an article that I found very interesting as an educator and parent and thought it would be good to pass along. The article, written by an assistant professor of early childhood education and an assistant professor of child development, was about "Aggressiveness in Children." Some of the tidbits to pull out were as follows:

• Children who have not learned to control anger or frustration often resort to aggressive behavior. Aggression is a normal expression of emotion in young children. They have not yet learned acceptable ways to channel their anger.
• Aggressive behavior includes hitting, throwing things, name-calling, spitting, biting, pushing or pulling, forcing someone to do or not to do something, destroying property, and taking someone else's possessions. Wow! What a list, right?

Our program recognizes the importance of dealing with aggressive behavior. Teachers help children find acceptable ways to express their anger, negotiate to get what they want or need, and handle aggression directed toward them by peers. We encourage children to express their feelings in words and to negotiate resolutions to conflict. We facilitate conversations between children when problems arise. Sometimes we even suggest words that help communicate the children's feelings, if they don't have the language for demonstrating upset feelings yet. In time, with adult support, they are able to use these social skills to solve their own problems.

At home, when your child behaves aggressively, try redirecting his or her attention by offering a choice of several appropriate behaviors and interrupting the negative behavior. Emphasize helping your child find words or other acceptable options to express their feelings rather than relying on physical actions. With time and practice, a child will learn to say "I'm mad because I want to play with the truck," instead of lashing out.

As adults, we can help children learn to express negative emotions in more appropriate ways. And a positive and consistent attitude on our part allows us to be the best teachers for our children. Hang in there - you can do it! And the weather will keep getting better-to burn off some of that excess energy!

Upcoming Events and Activities

• June 3 - KB Shalom Chaverim Celebration, McCoy Center
• June 5 - Last Day of School.

For More Information

For more information on any JCC New Albany Preschool or Summer Camp activities, or to register for the 2009-2010 school year, contact Nancy Thoman or Jessica Rathkopf at (614) 855-4885.