HOW TO HELP CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR ANGER

Some children tend to get angry more quickly than others, and it is a fact that managing this responsibility largely falls on the parents. When children cannot release their energy adequately, they may become aggressive. As a result, they often test their parents’ patience. When a child insists on something, cries continuously, and disrupts your routine, it creates a tense atmosphere for both of you. In such moments, your response as a parent is very important. Stress from work or health problems can make it harder to control your own anger. Staying calm and thinking rationally will help lead to better outcomes for both you and your child.

The first step in anger management is being able to express emotions verbally. The tone of voice, the words used, and the manner of speaking can all have different effects on the listener. Sometimes, the way something is said becomes more important than the actual words.

A peaceful home environment is essential. If a child shows aggressive behavior, responding with the same aggression is definitely the wrong approach. Instead, speak to the child positively and never resort to physical punishment.

If your child is frequently overcome by anger, talk to them about the feelings and thoughts that trigger it. Help them understand how anger can harm both themselves and those around them.

Anger management is a skill that children can learn. When faced with restrictions or distressing situations, children may cry, throw things, or act out to express their anger. In such cases, parents should guide their children in learning how to manage their anger and express their emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

If your child:

• Watching violent movies or playing aggressive video games,
• Giving in to their demands when they hit or kick,
• Being constantly restricted or told “no” by parents,
• Witnessing violence within the family,
• Rewarding or reinforcing aggressive behavior,
• Encouraging aggression through toys like weapons.

• If there is ongoing conflict within the family, start by resolving it.
• Create environments where your child can release energy.
• Try to understand what is triggering your child’s anger, talk about it, and help them feel better.
• Ask your child how they think they should behave in such situations and help them find solutions.
• Share your own childhood experiences to give them a sense of trust and understanding.
• Support your child in improving their social skills and adapting better to their environment.