It is not unusual for your child to experience occasional bouts of anger, just like adults. In fact, anger is a normal and healthy emotion, but since children cannot understand or express it quite well, they may have frequent meltdowns or outbursts. One way to help your child cope with this emotion is by teaching them helpful methods to control and express their emotion in a healthy manner. You can also instill a set of anger management rules in them, and distract their attention using physical or reactive activities.
We have for you effective tips on how to control anger in kids and alternative activities that will help calm your little one’s angry feelings without having a meltdown or exhibiting violent behaviour.
Does Your Kid Have Anger Issues?
We all get angry, even children, and that’s completely normal. But if you notice that your child cannot deal with their angry feelings, then it may indicate underlying anger issues. Some of the signs of anger issues include:
- Losing self-control and unable to stop an outburst
- Getting angry often, even at the smallest things
- Failing to see how their anger is affecting other people
- Behaving recklessly and blaming others for their behaviour
- Staying grumpy for a long time, and having trouble moving from feelings of anger and frustration
Oftentimes the signs of anger issues in children are clearly evident, but other times you may have to observe your child’s behaviour closely to know. Moreover, if your child acts without thinking when they are angry, they may end up getting hurt, or even hurting others. That’s why anger management is crucial.
What Exactly Is Anger Management?
Anger management is a learning process that helps teach kids how to channel their anger safely and healthily. It also teaches kids to identify their signs of anger and determine ways to calm down and take action productively. However, this method doesn’t champion ignoring your feeling or repressing your anger, it just teaches your child to manage their anger to prevent explosive bouts of anger and frustration.
5 Tips To Control Anger In Kids
Give Your Child A Time-out
Time-outs are always helpful when someone is dealing with angry thoughts. When your kid is angry and is in a fit of rage, do not react or reprimand, as that will only fuel their anger. Instead of arguing or having a heated conversation with your kid, give them a time-out. If your child is saying something angrily, let them finish, and then send them off to their room, as coolly as you can.
In case you observe that your child is getting scared at the discussion of a time-out, then support them by staying near them. But if your child is acting aggressively and being violent, then stop them immediately, and make them sit quietly, until they cool down.
Empathise With Them
Empathy can work wonders in managing your child’s anger. When your child is angry, encourage them to talk about it, and don’t cut them off. Even if they are frustrated, annoyed, or angry, try to recognise and acknowledge their feelings. Show your child that you care and that you are here when they need you.
You can also ask them if they want to go out for a walk or to the park. Going out can clear up their mind and help them regain composure. While you are out, treat them to ice cream or pastry, and show them some compassion.
Teach Them Ways To Deal With Their Anger
One of the important aspects of anger management is teaching your kids the right way to deal with their emotions. Teaching them how to release their anger safely can help calm them down and make them feel better. Here are some methods to help your child cope with anger:
- Teach them yoga and breathing exercises to help them calm themselves down before their anger takes over.
- Spending some time alone or a walk outdoors can also help them gather their thoughts and feelings.
- Counting numbers from one to ten, while inhaling and exhaling heavily can also help cool down your child.
- You can also teach your kids to use colours to calm their minds and turn their anger into a creative expression.
Praise Their Good Behaviour
Children often tend to get angry when they are let down, feel neglected, or are disappointed. They may also get annoyed when you do not pay attention to them, or praise their good behaviour. A simple act of praising your child’s good behaviour and efforts can help make them feel recognised and appreciated. However, this doesn’t mean you shower your little one with praises all the time, do let them know of their wrongful behaviour subtly and calmly so that they can improve themselves.
Have A Set Of Anger Rules
When it comes to disciplining your child, rules are pivotal. And one of the most important rules that you should set is about your child’s behaviour when they are angry. Let them know that anger is not a bad word and it is absolutely okay to get angry, but they shouldn’t be getting aggressive or violent. Have simple rules, such as:
- No screaming! Talking calmly to solve problems is the right way to deal with anger.
- Saying mean things or calling names is not allowed.
- No kicking, hitting, pinching, or use of any kind of physical violence.
- Learn to hug, shake hands, and make peace after an outburst.
- Addressing the issue only when everyone is calm.
Physical And Creative Activities To Help Cope With Anger
While following the above-mentioned tips can definitely help cool your child and calm their anger, you can always try a set of physical and creative activities to distract your child and help them cope with their feelings.
- Make your kid indulge in physical activities like dance to divert their mind. Just play some music on a player or find a fun dance video on YouTube that your child can follow.
- Gardening can also act as a soothing coping mechanism. When your child shows signs of anger, ask them to water the plants, plant saplings, or pluck out the weeds. Or they can just simply sit in the garden and observe their surroundings to calm down.
- Indulge your child in a creative activity, such as story writing or painting.
- You can also ask your child to make a collage and collate things that they love on paper. This will help them relax and feel better soon.
- Get creative and arrange a sock puppet show for your child. Through the sock puppets, teach them to express anger in a funny and creative manner.
While anger isn’t a bad emotion, it isn’t the easiest one to tackle. That’s why it’s all the more important for you to teach your kids anger management skills starting from a young age. Plus, knowing how to manage anger in kids can help you understand your child’s emotions better without hurting their feelings. You can also use creative or physical activities to help your child cope with their frustration. No matter what you do, try to be a good listener and support your child fully as they walk along this path.
Also read:
How warning signs can protect your child’s mental health: Read this post to know the warning signs of anxiety and depression in children and methods to cope with upsetting feelings.
Featured image: Freepik.com
