How to Help Children Control Anger

Temper tantrums are normal in child development. Young children may bite, push or yell because they don't know how to manage their emotions. As a parent, it can be frustrating to communicate with a child who is angry and combative. However, it's up to you to show your child how to effectively communicate and control her behavior. If you're worried that your child may have an underlying emotional issue, such as ADHD, speak with your child's pediatrician as recommended by the Mayo Clinic's website.

Instructions

• 1

  Don't let your child bottle up his emotions.

  Help your child recognize his anger. Listen to your child when he tells you why he's mad. According to child psychologist Dr. William Sears, children who have an empathetic parent are more likely to calm down rather than get worked up.

• 2

  Watch for clues.

  Identify warning signs that your child is upset. Look for clenched teeth, tense body, facial expressions, raising of the voice, withdrawal and crying. Teach your child these warning signs to help her move past the anger before bad behavior erupts.

• 3

  Help your child chill out.

  Practice with your child ways to cool down when he becomes frustrated. According to Parenthood, cool down techniques include breathing exercises and writing down angry words that can be torn up.

• 4

  Find a way to take focus off the anger.

  Distract your child when she becomes angry. Make a silly face to get her to laugh. Diffusing the anger can keep your child's mind off the emotions.

• 5

  Teach your child to walk away from a frustrating situation. For example, if you're child's frustrated with a puzzle, teach him to walk away and think about what he can do to solve the puzzle when he's calmer.

• 6

  Model examples of not getting upset when you make a mistake. Children who see your behavior are more apt to handle their mistakes as you would.