DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM ON PHONE OR TABLET CHAPTER 1: AGGRESSION OBSERVED BEHAVIOR •• A child is harming others through kicking, hitting, throwing things, pulling hair, or other aggressive actions. •• A child is intimidating others through posturing or physical force. •• A child is destroying property through kicking, throwing, stomping, beating, or other aggressive actions. APPROPRIATE RESPONSE The immediate goal is to keep the child from harming herself or others and to help her regain self-control so she can reengage in appropriate activities. The secondary goal is to prevent the child from destroying property. Harming Others Infants and Toddlers •• When an infant hits or throws, it is not considered aggressive behavior. Use soothing techniques for the infant and redirect her by introducing a different activity or toy. •• When a toddler behaves aggressively, place yourself between her and others. At eye level, say her name and tell her in a calm but firm voice to stop the aggressive behavior (hitting, pushing, or the like) because it hurts others. •• Examine the victim for physical injury. If the victim has an injury, follow your program procedures. •• Help children regain composure through deep breaths, squeezing balls, back rubs, or other techniques. •• Redirect all toddlers to soothing activities. Preschoolers •• When a preschooler is aggressive toward another child, place yourself between the chil- dren. At eye level, say the name of the child behaving aggressively and tell her in a calm but firm voice to stop the activity (kicking, holding, and so on). COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL 1