When an eleven plus child reacts angrily or aggressively it
does not mean that tension is natural before an examination or that the child
is being `wicked’. It also does not mean that the work is too easy or too hard
or just plain boring.
Aggression may be a way of solving a problem – when no other
solution appears to be working. The eleven plus child, being bright and
probably reasonably articulate, will not always see aggression as the only
solution to a problem. There will be times when no signs of aggression will be
evident. A child who sometimes rants and raves at parents may be able to treat
a school friend with care and respect.
Some parents may try to record all the outbursts. Do they occur
at the same time of day? Who else was present when the tantrum was offered?
What was the reaction to the outburst? Was there an attempt to fight fire with
fire? Did someone try to diffuse the situation? Did the aggression start with
teasing by a sibling?
Was the child calling for attention?
Did a `time out’ help? Do any time outs help?
Will a contract help?
A great number of parents will never experience any aggression
what so ever. We wish them well!
