Taming Childhood aggression: What can we do about it?
August 10, 2021
Meltdowns can cause misery for the child and everyone around this child. The good news is that adults can take charge and get support to manage aggressive behaviour in ways that are effective without being shaming.
Taming the anger monster in our children is a process, often like a marathon and definitely not a sprint to the line. Whether children hit or bite because they are angry or for reasons you just don't understand, aggressive behaviour can be a normal part of child development, especially between the ages of three and nine.
Sometimes toddlers are aggressive because they lack the verbal skills to get their needs across. A child who cannot say, "Don't do that," when their sibling takes a toy out of their hands may hit or bite to express their disapproval.
If children have a tendency towards this kind of aggressive behaviour, it’s up to you to help them develop judgement, self-discipline and the ability to express their feeling in appropriate ways. The good news is that as aggressiveness can be learnt so can calmness. We can follow and reinforce some very basic strategies to help educators and parents develop the ability within our children to stay and become calm from a very young age.
- Lead by example
. Children need someone to look up to and learn from. Parents primary role is to lead by example, modelling the kind of behaviour that you would like your child to adopt. A value system is important.
- Let your child continue being a child
. A toddler is all about testing boundaries. This is the way they explore and come into their own. However, when your children are throwing tantrums or exhibiting other destructive behaviour, it is easy to forget that you are dealing with a child and that they don’t have the wisdom to model good behaviour. Therefore, allow yourself a moment and your child to be a child. However, explain to them why their reactions are not appropriate and inform them of the alternative.
- Teaching your children to acknowledge early warning signs of aggressiveness
. Developing an awareness of early warning signs in a child is vital to success in this process of taming anger. Explain that we all have these little signs that tell us we are fast becoming angry, like maybe talking louder, getting flushed or clenching the fists. There are different signs for different people. Making your child aware will teach them to recognize and act accordingly.
- Teach your children to rethink their emotion
. Parents can start by helping children understand how their emotions work. Help children to label their feelings from an early stage in life and how to manage the big waves that flood them from time to time, both in anger and in joy.
- Age-appropriate techniques to tame anger
. Kids need to know appropriate ways to deal with their anger. Instead of being told, “Don’t hit your brother,” explain what they can do when they feel frustrated. Say, "Next time, use your words" or "Walk away from him when you feel angry."
- Praise nonaggressive behaviours
. Reduce your child's aggression by setting expectations for appropriate behaviour, providing clear and consistent consequences, and praising nonaggressive behaviours.
- Have consequences for misbehaviour
. As much as possible, parents are encouraged to stay consistent in discipline. If your child is aggressive toward another child, provide immediate consequences. Eventually the child will associate the negative consequence with the aggression. Parents can minimize aggressive behaviour with a few techniques that include:
* By staying calm,
* Minimizing situations that can flair up in misbehaviour,
* Avoiding negotiation (don't argue or explain too much),
* Helping your child problem solve solutions in conflict situations,
* Expressing and having open communication, telling them why it is not suitable to use bad language but rather positive language,
* Making your expectations for behaviour clear.
Parenting childhood aggression is protecting them from any physical trauma, and considering their mental and psychological well-being. If your child has frequent outbursts daily for several days or weeks, or is causing physical injury to himself or others, or is being sent home by friends or the school, contact your paediatrician immediately.
O ther than that, parenting childhood aggression is part of the developmental process and most children are able to learn how to manage their anger and frustration. It may require a little patience from you, but in the end, it will be all worth it!
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question filled with imagination, ”Doctor!” “Astronaut!” “Pilot!” But as learners grow, the question demands more than dreams. At GIS, we believe choosing a career should be guided by reflection, purpose, and our values of Generosity, Integrity, Self-Discipline as well as Innovation, Diversity and Excellence! COGNITIVE ABILITY – EXCELLENCE Is your child ready, academically and mentally, for the career they’re considering? Professions such as medicine, engineering or aviation require strong abilities in subjects like Mathematics and Science. Encouraging careers where they can thrive, not just survive, helps them avoid overwhelm and anxiety. INTEREST – INNOVATION Do they enjoy what they want to do, even on a cold morning? Passion fuels perseverance. A budding lawyer should love reading. A future psychologist should be curious about how people think and feel. Interest keeps motivation alive when challenges arise. PERSONALITY – DIVERSITY Not every career suits every personality. Are they introverted or outgoing? If they are not instinctively confrontational and argumentative, is the legal profession the way to go? Shy students might struggle in performance arts, while reserved personalities may not enjoy sales or law. Their personality helps find the right fit, not the hardest fight. VALUES – INTEGRITY & GENEROSITY What truly matters to them—family, status, impact, balance? If its family they value, then they should choose a career that will not keep them away from their family A values-aligned career brings long-term fulfilment, not just success. OUR GIS MESSAGE At GIS, we walk beside each student as they explore their future. A career choice is a journey of discovery, not a rush to the finish line.
In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, Gaborone International School (GIS) stands at the forefront of innovative education in Botswana. By embracing cutting-edge educational technology, GIS is redefining the traditional classroom and transforming it into a vibrant, collaborative, and interactive learning environment. The integration of digital tools not only enhances academic engagement but also equips students with critical 21st-century skills—collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. A Vision for Future-Ready Learning At GIS, technology is more than just a teaching aid—it’s an essential part of our educational philosophy. We believe that collaborative learning prepares students for the real world by encouraging them to work in teams, share ideas, and solve problems together. Our school has invested in advanced learning technologies including: Guided Readers ADvLEARN Robotics kits Drones Virtual Reality (VR) headsets These tools create immersive and collaborative experiences that drive both academic success and personal growth. Guided Readers: Enhancing Literacy Through Shared Learning Reading is a foundational skill, and GIS promotes it through the use of Guided Readers, a digital platform offering leveled reading resources tailored to individual learners. This interactive tool transforms reading into a collaborative experience, allowing students to: Participate in paired reading sessions Engage in group discussions Conduct peer assessments This social approach to literacy encourages students to listen attentively, express their ideas clearly, and understand different perspectives. Teachers can monitor progress in real-time, offer personalized feedback, and adapt instruction to meet each student’s needs. The result is a classroom where reading is not only accessible and inclusive, but also dynamic and engaging. ADvLEARN and Personalized Collaboration GIS integrates ADvLEARN, an intelligent learning platform that adapts to each student’s academic progress. While the platform is tailored to individual learners, it also supports group learning through shared tasks, feedback loops, and performance tracking. Students collaborate on assignments, explain concepts to peers, and build their understanding through guided interactions—making learning both personalized and participatory. STEM Innovation: Robotics, Drones, and VR Technology-fueled group projects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at GIS provide powerful platforms for collaboration: Robotics kits inspire teamwork and innovation, as students design, build, and program robots in small teams. Drone programming encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world applications while working together on navigation challenges. VR headsets immerse learners in virtual environments, where exploration and group problem-solving make subjects like history, biology, and geography come alive. These hands-on experiences foster creativity, logical reasoning, and digital literacy—skills essential for future careers in a tech-driven world. Why Collaborative Learning Matters at GIS GIS is committed to holistic education that balances academic achievement with character development. Collaborative learning: Builds self-confidence and leadership Encourages empathy and respect for diverse viewpoints Prepares students for team-oriented workplaces Strengthens communication and interpersonal skills By working together on tech-integrated tasks, students at GIS become not only better learners but also global citizens who are ready to thrive in a connected world. Conclusion: Technology Meets Teamwork at GIS At Gaborone International School, our approach to learning is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and student empowerment. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a strong emphasis on collaboration, GIS offers a dynamic educational experience that develops both minds and character. Through platforms like Guided Readers and ADvLEARN, and interactive tools such as robotics and VR, students at GIS are gaining the skills they need to excel academically and lead confidently in the future. Explore how GIS is shaping future leaders—where technology meets collaboration, and excellence begins.