Anger Management For Children! – By Alvira Diwan
Teaching Your Children Anger Management Skills! – Written By Alvira Diwan
Human beings in all ages experience anger in different intensities, owing to the situation. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. But some kids get angry very often and create a ruckus. There can be many factors contributing to the level of anger in a child. It could be a traumatic experience, family history or divorces and deaths of close family members. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can result in an outburst of emotions too.
Some kids have such severe anger issues that even minor situations can lead to extreme reactions from them. At times it is hard for you to understand as parents as to what topic or situation would leave your child in a state of anger.
While having minor issues and short temperament in initial years is okay, however, if it increases with age it will lead to behavioural problems.
Children throw tantrums to avoid certain undesirable situations. If you keep giving in for their tantrums they will develop a habit!
• Teach Your Child About Feelings & Emotions. Label the feelings and emotions in various situations. For example, when he/she gets happy, tell him/her that this particular situation made you happy. And when he’s/she’s angry, explain what triggered the anger in him/her. In this manner, your child will learn to get aware of his/her emotions and will be able to name them & controlling them will become easier then.
• Make Arrangements For Lowering Anger. Plan certain activities to calm down your child. For example, if he/she has an outburst ask him/her to sit and take deep breaths before reacting. Encourage him/her to sit alone and scribble or colour something when in a state of anger. This will give him/her enough time to think and reason the situation.
• A Journal For Feelings. Encourage him/her to maintain a journal where he/she writes down about his/her feelings. He/she may not be old enough to write it properly but it is still good as he’s/she’s venting out his feelings. It will not only give you an idea about his/her thoughts but also work for him/her as he/she explores his emotions. This activity will be helpful lifelong!
• Teach Him/Her Manners & Discipline. Being angry doesn’t mean that one can violate rules and be disrespectful towards anyone around. Tell him/her to look out for his/her behaviour even when angry. Correcting at the initial phase is important before the behaviour becomes a habit!
• Avoid Exposure To Violence. Children learn from what they see. Don’t let them have excess to violent video games or media.
Similarly, the foundation of learning is at home. If you have severe anger issues, your child will learn from your behaviour. So make sure to start from resolving your issues before your child grasps them!
Alvira Diwan
Masters in Clinical Psychology
Are you looking for anger management strategies for your child? If you have any concerns or questions as parents, leave your comments below & Alvira Diwan will get back to you!