Why children can get so aggressive

All fathers know that kids experience some angry outbursts and even the occasional tantrum during the early elementary years. But by now, most children have outgrown the hitting and pushing that go hand-in-hand with toddlerhood, preschool, and even kindergarten. That’s because they have developed the language skills they need to express themselves with words instead of fists or feet — and they know that physical aggression is wrong and usually doesn’t get the desired result.

Even so, your children may continue to have trouble controlling their temper. As a father, you should consider that maybe a learning problem is making it tough for them to listen, focus, or read — hampering their performance in school and causing them no end of frustration.

Or perhaps a psychological blow (such as a recent divorce or an illness in the family) is stirring up more hurt and anger than your kids can deal with. Whatever the reason, the sooner your children get help, the sooner they can get past those issues and get a handle on their aggression.