Anger Management Objectives For Children- where do we start…post updated 1-3-23
If you have a child who is experiencing anger, it is never too early to begin addressing the issues.
Anger is a normal emotion, but it can turn into something painful and ugly. Children may be small but their minds can get triggered just like us adults. When something or someone has made their anger rise, they can often be ready to hit, slap, throw, or bite. It can also be something worse and sometimes screams.
It appears that some children more than others get angry at the slightest things. Those reasons can be not wanting to wear the outfit laid on the bed or being first to play the game. It can also be having to pick up his or her clothing from the floor.
Most importantly, anger in a child should never be laughed at or ignored.
You might want to call the anger self-centered at times. However, if these actions are frequent, the child needs correction before he or she grows into thinking that the behaviors are natural responses. It could be that professional counseling is needed.
When Thinking About Anger Management Objectives For Children…
We most often think about anger management resulting in adults. Rarely will images of angry children come to mind. Unfortunately children, at very young ages, have to deal with feelings of anger and rage. This is a truth that is often difficult to understand or manage.
Children, young children especially, aren’t normally aware of how they feel. When a child becomes upset or mad they simply show these emotions through their behavior.
A good example of this might be the little boy in the supermarket who throws a tantrum because he’s upset. He or she is tired and wants to leave the supermarket now. Unfortunately, often times these occurrences are overlooked or dismissed because they are “just children”.
How Important Is Helping Your Child With Anger Management
Anger management in children is as important, or perhaps even more important than anger management in adults.
A child requires instruction and guidance from their coming into the world to their entry into adulthood. The things they learn throughout their young lives are likely to form the person they become as an adult.
For this reason, anger management in children with difficulties controlling their temper is extremely important. Finding ways to teach anger management in children might present later challenges for parents and children.
When The Anger Bug Hits
- Stop the tantrum, try calming the child down, and give directions to keep their hands to themselves.
- Try to find out exactly what triggered the anger, and tell them that it is not acceptable behavior.
- If the child is being aggressive toward another child, it is time to separate the two, three, or even how many.
- Speak to the child with affirmative language that their anger must be control as not to vent it at other humans.
- When the child calms down, address how unhealthy becoming that angry is.
What A Parent Needs To Think About And Question…
- Is your child overly spoiled?
- Do you allow your child to always have their way?
- Is there a habit that you have of indulging in giving in to your child even when it is not for their good?
- Does your child see either parent who rages when they are angry?
- Do you want your child to grow to have emotional issues for all of their life?
- Find out if your child is experiencing difficulty at school and if they are being intimidated.
- It is important to find out if they are afraid of someone or something and if there is anxiety.
Not all children will respond to the same methods for anger management. However, they must know their behavior must be normalized.
All children do not have anger for the same reasons. There may be issues socially, within the family, or with their friends. The main issue is knowing why they have anger issues as well.
Because a child cannot always relate their feelings surrounding angry outbursts, finding the right approach may take some time.
Until the issue is resolved or at least controlled, it is imperative to continue the methods to assist the child, and if needed, search for professional help.
There Are Children’s Worksheets
Young children may respond well to worksheets, games, and fun activities. All of these can be used effectively to teach anger management to children.
Children can also be taught other ways to get their frustrations out, such as breathing exercises, and exercise and some professionals say yoga is good.
Get the play-doh out. Give them something to do that they find contentment in. Let them throw the ball for the dog to pick up. (unless they are mad at the dog). Know what brings a smile to their face.
Taking steps to help a child to understand their feelings are normal if they are normal, is a positive approach. However, when the anger goes beyond normal, they must be informed of that also.
A child completing a worksheet, or coloring sheet, or participating in games and activities can help.
With underlying messages regarding anger management, they may not even realize they are working on their problem.
Fun Activities
Making the activity fun doesn’t mean that the anger issue has to be left out. Choosing fun activities that teach healthy interaction and decision-making is good for them. This can allow them to see the difference between being calm, and becoming too frustrated or angry.
Teaching them to take turns and helping them to learn that they can’t always be the best or the winner would definitely make a difference when confrontational situations arise.
Little activities which instill values and positive thinking would be beneficial for anger management in children.
It Is Important To Get Feedback From The Child
If a child is old enough to talk about their anger problem, encouraging them to share their feelings is important. Suggesting they talk to someone who they feel comfortable with and trust is a good idea regarding anger management in children.
Asking them to write or draw about their emotions can be of help in disclosing their underlying issues, whether fear, hurt, or sadness.
Teaching them to ask for help when they feel threatened or angry is a process to help the child with a problem.
The important detail to realize when considering anger management in children is they are just “children”. Their minds are not equipped to handle big people situations and so they will require a more careful approach.
You can also check out Very Well Family.com
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Notice: We do not pretend to give emotional, or health-related diagnoses or professional cures for any needs. However, we do research on what is acceptable and helpful.
