Aggressive behavior in children can be frustrating and scary for both child and parent. There are several reasons and causes for aggressive behavior that negatively affects others. Aggressiveness can hurt other people and also push them away. Not all children realize they are behaving aggressively at first. It is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to make sure the child gets the help he needs to be a healthy member of society. Significance Aggressive behavior in a child can disrupt his life and the lives of those around him. It can affect his family and his school environment. If a child goes from a normal behavior pattern to an aggressive one, the underlying problem must be diagnosed and treated. Developing aggressive behavior can affect a child's mental and physical state and make it difficult for him to cope with daily living. Causes The development of aggressive behavior in your child could be an indication of an underlying condition. The cause must be determined so the right kind of treatment can be instituted. In some cases, aggressive behavior is caused by a traumatic event in the child's life, such as abuse or losing a loved one. Your child could also have an underlying mental or physical health condition like attention deficit disorder or lead poisoning. Hand in Hand Parenting explains that a child who feels unsafe or uneasy about a situation may show aggressive tendencies as a safety mechanism. Signs Aggression can start off slowly and, in some cases, develop into extreme violence. Hand in Hand Parenting mentions that aggressive behavior may begin as lashing out against someone else. Other signs include pushing, shoving, name calling, verbal attacks, biting, pulling hair, hurting other children and hurting animals. Any type of behavior that is inappropriate, spontaneous or uncontrolled can be considered aggressive. Effects When a child develops aggressive behavior, it can have a damaging effect on her well being. Proper medical diagnosis is needed to see if she is aggressive because of an illness and get the appropriate treatment. She may need therapy because of the mental and social effects her illness has left behind. The child may have to learn social skills and practice anger management to readjust when interacting with her peers and family members. Play therapy is often used by professionals as a way to teach aggressive kids how to interact and react with peers, explains the Association for Play Therapy. Solution Positive parental involvement is one of the best ways to control aggressive behavior. Parents should be familiar with their child's triggers, and always offer a safe refuge so the child has a place of protection, explains Dr. Spock. Because aggression can be caused by a child feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, fearful or uncomfortable, the unconditional love of a parent along with proper medical help will help him deal with his aggression and grow up to be a productive adult.