How to Manage Anger in Children

Anger is a common emotion. Children who experience more anger may be dealing with a condition, such as ADD, or ADHD. The stress of trying to function with a limited capacity to listen, focus and stay on task may be burdensome. Whatever the reasons for anger, finding ways to help children express their anger in a healthy way will equip them for success.

Instructions

• 1

  Sign your children up for a sport. Sports can be a good teaching tool for discipline and self-motivation. Oftentimes, children with ADHD or impulsive behaviors get involved with a sport as a part of their treatment. Sports can teach children how to cooperate with others as a part of a team, and focus on a common goal.

• 2

  Take daily walks. Exercise not only increases endorphins in the brain (feel good chemicals), it is also a good way to get your children out. Boredom can make children anxious.

• 3

  Talk to your children. Help them to express their emotions in conversation and sort out their feelings. Pick a good time and place to chat, perhaps while taking a walk, or reading a book and preparing for bed. Having daily chats at the same time and place will give your children a safe place to unleash their pent up emotions.

• 4

  Count to 10. Letting emotions subside may mean putting time between the offense and the response. A good way to control outbursts may be to take a 10-second break. Have your children stop, take deep breaths, and count to 10. This may help them to clear their head.

• 5

  Draw a picture, or keep a journal. Older children may benefit from a journal, while younger children may better express themselves through drawing. Either way, releasing ill emotions can be done with a pen, crayon and paper. For more helpful tips see the Resources section for a link.