Usually, it is uncommon for children to have anger issues. However, if you notice that your child gets angry frequently and it is affecting their and others’ lives, it is time to take the matter into your hands.
Try to decode the reason behind your child’s anger. A few reasons can be:
- Trauma or grief from a loved one’s death or parents’ divorce
- Bullying at school or somewhere else
- Inability to verbalise their need or express their emotions
- Unfriendly or tense family atmosphere
Understanding the reason will enable you to determine the right course of action.
The following tips should help you teach anger management to your kids:
- Have an Honest Conversation
Sit with the child and gently persuade them to tell the reason behind their anger. The child may hesitate to open up initially but do not give up your attempts to talk to them. Build a trustworthy relationship so that the child feels comfortable talking to you.
- Acknowledge Their Emotion
Don’t brush your child’s anger emotion under the carpet. Don’t tell them that it’s not ok to be angry. Don’t scold them or raise your voice. Instead, acknowledge their anger. Encourage your child to express their anger in words by telling you how they feel at that moment.
- Set Boundaries
While it is fine to help your child acknowledge their emotion, don’t let them overstep the boundaries. Make sure that they know they cannot become physically aggressive and harm themselves or others.
- Lead by Example
Do you get angry in some situations? Are you unable to cope with anger? There is a high probability that your child will think it is normal to behave like you. When you learn to manage your anger and stay calm, your child will observe and learn the same.
- Channel Their Aggression
It would be a good idea to find constructive and creative ways to channel your child’s anger and distract them. You can enrol them in physical activity classes such as dancing, tennis, martial arts, etc. You can enrol them in art and craft classes.
- Journal the Feelings
If your child finds it difficult to express their feelings in front of someone, you can guide them to write in a diary. Every time they feel a rush of anger, they should start penning their thoughts in this diary. This is one of the best and safest ways to vent their negative emotions.
If your child continues to show anger despite these tips, it is advisable to seek professional help from a mental health counsellor.
