Not only is physical aggression a learned behavior that acts as a way for children to deal with their feelings, but hitting, kicking, and biting are also direct behaviors that elicit attention from parents, teachers, and peers. Aggression is one of the first responses to frustration that a baby learns. These actions are common before a child develops more sophisticated verbal skills to talk about how he or she is feeling. Most children replace these forceful tendencies with socially appropriate behaviors before turning 5 years old.
