Anger is a sudden emotion. For children, it can be a way to proclaim their independence. Often, parents consider anger issues as a simple tantrum. However, when allowed to persist, there is a possibility that this anger will lead to aggression, and aggressive children can put themselves or other people in harm or dangerous situations.
Why Kids Become Angry
Several factors can cause children to feel anger. One of the most common is frustration. When children cannot get what they want, they will divert their emotions to anger. Trauma caused by bullying or the death of a loved one can also trigger anger in children. In some cases, a strict parenting style that focuses on punishment can also cause children to feel angry.
How to Teach Anger Management In Children
If you feel like your children are short-tempered or at risk of having anger management issues, here are some tips on how you can help your children manage anger:
Start With Calming Techniques
You can help your child control their anger by teaching them how to take deep breaths whenever they feel a strong surge of emotion. You can also try distracting them with happy stories or songs when you notice that they are already showing physical signs of anger.
Encourage Self-Analysis
Most of the time, anger in children occurs because of a trigger. Whenever they feel angry due to an adverse event, you can encourage them to do self-analysis. Make them realize that exacting revenge will never do them any good. Teaching them compassion can help them feel less angry.
Teach Them Empathy
Empathy should be taught to children even while they are young. Nurture compassion and teach it in their values that they need to understand other people’s points of view before getting mad. This can help a great deal in managing their emotions and teaching them how the world works.
Give Them a Time Break
As mentioned, children become angry because something or someone gave them a reason to feel that way. As such, it will help them calm down if you give them a break from the situation. Distancing them from the person or situation that caused the emotion can help them gain a better perspective of the situation.
Allow Them to Practice Relaxation Strategies
Introduce the idea of relaxation to your children. Allow them to practice yoga and meditation. Doing this every day can help them focus their energy on positive things.
Give Them an Outlet
Aside from relaxation strategies, it will also help your children manage their anger if they can have an outlet for their emotions. It will teach them how they can focus their energy and center it on more productive things. For instance, you can enroll them in a karate class. Not only will it help them unleash their emotions in a positive manner, but it will also teach them about discipline.
Encourage Communication
Sometimes, children’s anger can come from the frustration that their needs and wants are not heard. That’s why it is crucial to provide them an opportunity to express their anger in a non-confrontational way. Allow them to say, “I’m feeling angry because…” This way, you will be able to gauge what is causing the anger, and it will be easier for you to address.
Anger is something that we all have. It is an emotion that allows us to show our frustrations, but some people may have issues controlling and managing this emotion. When it comes to children, teaching them how to manage anger starts with us, and we should be there to guide them.
