NCJ Number
156291
Journal
Reclaiming Children and Youth Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 6-10
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
For this article, the authors asked family caregivers, siblings, and members of their own families to answer specific questions on how they counter their child's aggression, how they deal with acting out, how they de-escalate tension, how they rebuild the caring bonds, and how they manage.
Abstract
The article is a sample of responses followed by interpretations and comments. Twelve mothers, two siblings from a family support group, six two-adult families, and three single- adult families describe their experiences in living with violent children; 11 of the children were adopted, and one is a grandchild. In a response to a question about what it is like to live with a violent and aggressive child, the respondents describe their tendencies to become angry, abusive, and frightened, as well as to foster denial, guilt, and shame. In response to a question on the nature of the child's aggression, they report theft, being chased with a kitchen knife, firesetting, abuse of siblings, and the torturing of animals. Another question focuses on how parents prepare for the violent episodes. This involves analyzing what apparently precedes violent incidents and the development of a regime of consequences for aggressive and violent behaviors. Other questions pertain to the management of violent episodes, the aftermath of "blowups," helpful supports, parental training, the impact of living with the child, benefits for the family, and advice to other families. The advice includes educating oneself about the nature of the problem, receiving professional training on how to handle problem behaviors, and becoming involved in a support group.