Impulses are experienced as requiring immediate satisfaction. These struggles are more likely to erupt into violent behavior when teenagers are surrounded by peers who are also violent. Changes in family and community life influence a teenager's behavior. In previous generations, many families were able to provide their children with a strong sense of identity and conscience. Many children today enter adolescence without a sense of safety, and they lack the ability to control their aggressive impulses.
Adolescents have difficulty thinking about the consequences of their actions.
Their main concern is for gratification and acceptance of their behavior by their peers. It is important that the group sit together for snack and circle time and for each child to feel they have a place of their own. When groups are too large, children tend to become distracted. There should not be more than 9 toddlers in a group and not more than 12 preschool-age children in a group. It's a good sign when staff members can split their attention and watch their children while they are talking to you.