How To Control Anger In Kids: 5 Tips That Work I BabyChakra

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

It is not unusual for kids to experience occasional bouts of anger, like adults. In fact, anger is considered a healthy and normal emotion, but since kids cannot express or understand it quite well, they may have frequent outbursts and meltdowns.

If you are wondering “how to control anger in kids,” then read on as we discuss effective tips to help your kids express and control their emotions, and a set of activities that can help calm down your little one’s angry feelings and prevent a meltdown.

How To Understand If Your Child Has Anger Issues?

Getting angry is a completely normal emotion, even in kids. But if you notice that your little one cannot deal with their angry feelings by any means, then it may imply underlying anger issues. Some of the signs of anger issues in children include:

Getting angry frequently, even at the smallest of things
Losing self-control, and being unable to control a meltdown
Blaming others for their reckless behaviour
Failing to see how their angry emotions are affecting others
Staying grumpy for long durations of time, and having trouble moving past the emotions of frustration and anger.

While signs of anger issues in some children are clearly evident, other times you may have to observe your kid’s behaviour closely to know. If your kid acts without thinking when they are angry, they may end up getting hurt or even hurting others. That’s why anger management is extremely crucial.

What Is Anger Management?

Anger management is a process that helps teach your kids how to channel their angry emotions healthily and safely. It also helps your kids identify their signs of anger and determine ways of calming down by taking action productively.

However, keep in mind, that this learning method doesn’t boast about repressing anger or ignoring feelings. It just helps your child understand how to manage their angry thoughts and prevent explosive bouts of frustration and meltdowns.

How To Control Anger In Kids: 5 Tips That Work

Empathise with Your Child

Empathy can work wonders in managing your kid’s anger. When your little one is angry, encourage them to talk about it, and listen to them, without cutting them off. Even if your kid is annoyed, frustrated, or angry, try to acknowledge and recognise their feelings. Show your kid that you care and you are there for them when they need you.

You can also ask your child if they go out on a walk with you or to the park. Going outside can clear up their mind and help them regain composure.

Praise Your Child’s Good Behaviour

Kids tend to get angry when they are let down, disappointed, or neglected, just like us. They may also get frustrated if you do not pay sufficient attention to them and praise their good behaviour.

The simple act of praising your child’s good efforts and behaviour can make them feel appreciated and recognised. However, this doesn’t mean you have to shower your kid with appreciation all the time. Let them know about their wrongful behaviour calmly and subtly so that they can improve themselves.

Teach Your Child Different Ways to Deal with Anger

One of the crucial aspects of anger management is teaching your little ones the right ways to deal with their frustrated emotions. Teaching them how to release their angry emotions safely can help them feel better and calm them down.

We have listed different ways to help your child cope with anger.

When they are angry, encourage them to spend some time alone or take a walk outdoors to help them gather their feelings and thoughts.
Teach them breathing exercises and yoga so that they can calm themselves down before their angry emotions take over.
Use colours to teach your child to calm their mind and turn their frustration into a creative expression.
Encourage your kid to count numbers from one to 10, while inhaling and exhaling heavily to cool them down.

Give Your Kid A Time-Out

Time-outs always prove helpful when someone is dealing with angry emotions and thoughts. When your child is in a fit of rage or angry, do not reprimand or react, as that will only increase their anger. Instead of having a heated conversation with your kid, give them a time-out.

If your kid responds angrily to you, let them finish, and then send them off to another room as coolly as you can. If you notice that your kid is getting scared at the discussion of a time-out, support them by staying near them. But if they become violent, stop them immediately, and make them sit quietly until they calm down.

Decide on a Set of Anger Rules

Rules play a pivotal role in disciplining your child. One of the most important rules to set is about your kid’s behaviour when they are angry. Make sure they know that anger is not a bad emotion and that it is okay to get angry, but they shouldn’t become violent and aggressive.

Have straightforward rules, such as:

Calling names or saying means things are not allowed
There shouldn’t be any screaming. Talking calmly is the only way to solve problems
No use of physical violence, such as hitting, kicking, or pinching
Learn to shake hands and make peace after a meltdown
Addressing the issue when everyone is calm and composed

Creative and Physical Activities to Help Your Child Cope with Anger

You can always try a set of creative and physical activities to distract your child and help them deal with their angry feelings.

Indulge your child in creative activities, such as painting or story writing.
Ask your child to make a collage of the things that they love on paper. This will help them gather their thoughts and relax.
Play your child’s favourite song or video and encourage them to dance to the tune to help distract their mind.
Get creative and arrange a puppet show for your child. Through the show, teach your child to express their anger in a funny and creative manner.
Gardening can also serve as a relaxing coping mechanism. When your child shows signs of anger or frustration, ask them to plant the saplings, water the plants, or pluck out weeds. Or just encourage them to sit in the garden and observe their surroundings to calm down.

Conclusion

We hope to have answered all your queries on “how to control anger in kids.” The tips that we have mentioned above not only help you manage your child’s anger but also understand their emotions better without hurting them.

Regardless of which method you decide to choose, try to be a good listener, and support your kid fully as they walk along this path.