Summary of what we cover: *Identify the hidden triggers that can fuel hitting, biting, kicking, and other unwanted behavior in group settings. *Gain an understanding of the difference between an unhelpful and instinctual “power” approach and the contrasting “influential” response to transform these tense moments. *Explore a four-step process and real-life coaching techniques you can use the moment an aggressive act occurs to help toddlers build critical self-control skills, cope with strong feelings, and learn appropriate actions they can use when toddlers experience aggressive impulses in the future. *Collect strategies to communicate with families about aggressive acts to keep them on your team *Analyze videos of adults responding to unwanted behaviors in group settings to pinpoint helpful adult strategies. Key Points *A toddler’s aggressive acts are tied to a lack of skills *Some (not all) toddler aggression can be prevented *If adults stay calm and patient, and take the time to support and coach toddlers through difficult moments, toddlers will learn the skills needed and toddler aggressive acts will diminish over time *Using an influence approach (instead of the instinctual “power” approach) helps avoid triggering a toddler’s stress response and helps them learn what to do instead *All the toddlers involved in these tense moments will need adult’s help *Families will need caregivers help as well (to understand why toddlers behave this way and helpful strategies for responding) Objectives (These three are for two-hour. If less time, please take off third objective. This could even be two hours on the first two and one hour on working with parents. Let me know if this is of interest.): • Identify the hidden triggers that can fuel toddler aggression • Label helpful coaching techniques to use the moment an aggressive act occurs • List helpful resources on toddler aggression to share with other caregivers