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How To Handle Aggressive And Hyperactive Nature Of A 3 Year Old?

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Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015
Question: My son is 3 years old. He is very aggressive by nature. But he is getting more and more hyperactive day by day and it is becoming very difficult at times to handle the situation and calm him down. If he is angry he start throwing things or start hitting others.

How do I handle him?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It appears to me as a temper tantrum

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Temper tantrum/ emotional outburst is very common in children particularly between the age of 2 to 4 years. This is a kind of normal response in children when something prevents them from gaining XXXXXXX or learning something.

The emotional outburst can be of different forms like crying, throwing things, hitting or even breath holding.
Although tantrum is a normal part in children of this age, this causes much distress to the parents, as in your case.
Most children learn other ways to deal with their emotions and needs, as they grow up and medical treatment is seldom needed.
This is more common in hyperactive and moody kids.
Usually this lasts for a short duration (less than 30 min) and of less frequency (once or twice a week).

The best way is to ignore the behavior and to find out the triggering factor.
Communicate well with your child, don't punish or use harsh words in response to his behavior. Try to distract him from his demand by providing different thing, like when he demands for a toy; communicate with him, calm him down by praising that he is a good boy and give him a chocolate.
If it is more frequent,persisting for a longer duration or if he hurts himself and getting violent, I would like to get him evaluated by a pediatrician or psychologist.

I would be glad to answer if you have any further query
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (44 hours later)
Thank you Doctor XXXXXXX for your response.

He is hyper active child and becoming stubborn day by day. I try distracting him many times but I fail most of the times. He does not get satisfied with alternatives. If he wants anything he sticks to his demand and never compromises.



doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Temper tantrum does not need any medical treatment

Detailed Answer:
I can understand your problem. Temper tantrum does not need any medical treatment and it is the behavioral therapy only that helps.You have to continue trying your best.
If it is more frequent and persistent,I would suggest you to consult a psychologist for proper questionnaire and counseling regarding behavioral therapy.
Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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How To Handle Aggressive And Hyperactive Nature Of A 3 Year Old?

Brief Answer: It appears to me as a temper tantrum Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query Temper tantrum/ emotional outburst is very common in children particularly between the age of 2 to 4 years. This is a kind of normal response in children when something prevents them from gaining XXXXXXX or learning something. The emotional outburst can be of different forms like crying, throwing things, hitting or even breath holding. Although tantrum is a normal part in children of this age, this causes much distress to the parents, as in your case. Most children learn other ways to deal with their emotions and needs, as they grow up and medical treatment is seldom needed. This is more common in hyperactive and moody kids. Usually this lasts for a short duration (less than 30 min) and of less frequency (once or twice a week). The best way is to ignore the behavior and to find out the triggering factor. Communicate well with your child, don't punish or use harsh words in response to his behavior. Try to distract him from his demand by providing different thing, like when he demands for a toy; communicate with him, calm him down by praising that he is a good boy and give him a chocolate. If it is more frequent,persisting for a longer duration or if he hurts himself and getting violent, I would like to get him evaluated by a pediatrician or psychologist. I would be glad to answer if you have any further query Regards