Aggression Part of the Human Repertoire

Aggression Has Become a Label

"Calling boys 'aggressive' is an attempt to punitively try and control behavior we are not comfortable with. We rarely use this word in a positive way, so when we start by calling boys' behavior 'aggressive' we are already prejudicing how we look at it. Children use their bodies and express their feelings by pushing, grabbing, and fighting. This is age-appropriate for young children — they are in the motor stage of development. Teachers and parents need to help children find ways to resolve these conflicts. But the problem isn't that boys have these impulses and interests; the problem is that we over-react."

Joseph Tobin, Ph.D. Professor of Early Childhood Education, Arizona State University

What does it mean to be aggressive?

According to Webster's Dictionary, aggression is "a forceful action… the process of making attacks… hostile, injurious, behavior… caused by frustration." Real life boy examples include physical fighting, name-calling, and rough-housing that results in injury. Aggression is part of the human repertoire. "All human beings have the ability to protect themselves and attack others when in danger," explains Michael Thompson PhD.

Only a small percentage of boys' behavior is truly aggressive. While "all boys have normal aggressive impulses which they learn to control, only a small percentage are overly aggressive and have chronic difficulty controlling those impulses," says Michael Thompson, Ph.D. These are the boys who truly confuse fantasy with reality, and frequently hit, punch, and bully other kids. They have a lack of impulse control and cannot stop themselves from acting out. "They cannot contain their anger and have little control over their physical behavior and this is when intervention by parent or teacher is needed," says Thompson.

What Does This Mean To Me?

Well it means that I knew as much as 2 guys with PhD’s and I only graduated High School.  As any Dad knows, your son is gonna get into a fight sooner or later. Whether it’s on the playground with a school yard bully or his big sister is picking on him it’s gonna happen.  I think the trick is letting your caveboy So know when aggression is an appropriate response.  I also feel that we should show our sons how best to use this aggression when needed.  Teaching the caveboys not to be over aggressive in situations also goes a long way to instilling the confidence that they need for making good decisions.

Happy Spelunking,

The Caveman

P.S.  HAHA  Told ya I could report facts to cavemen  :P