So you have figured out you have have an angry child. I bet you are wondering, what to do now? Anger is a part of life, for both children and adults. As parents, we may want to overlook or write off our child’s anger to “just having a bad day”. It may go deeper than that. Today, Kori from Justanothermom.net will share what you can do if you think you have an angry child. She will share her knowledge of anger and tips for how to help an angry child.
Why Do Children Have Anger?
When you first notice that you have an angry child, you might feel lost and alone. You might worry that you have done something wrong.
This is not the case.
There are many reasons a child might have anger. Anger can arise when children try to deal with issues and frustrations that may be associated with school, peers, or every day things. In addition, children in families that are going through stressful situations such as a divorce, financial problems, moving, etc. can be seen with increased anger as they try to understand and process the changes. Often times, teaching children to manage their anger is the best solution and can be done at home.
It is important to learn the root of the anger and determine if it is caused by something that you as the adult has control over. There are many reasons for your child’s anger to suddenly trigger, resulting in meltdowns or tantrums.
What to do When Your Child Always Seems Angry
Daily Quality Time | Another way to help your child work through anger-provoking issues is to provide daily quality time for sharing thoughts, experiences, and moods in a quiet place where other family members will not intrude.
Processing daily issues rather than waiting for them to build up and explode can help your child retain control of his or her temper. Children who struggle with anger management strategies sometimes act as though they don’t want your help, but inside, most are grateful.
Journaling | You can also give your child a journal if you think that might help. Or, if your child isn’t so great with words try giving them a blank journal and let them draw.
Provide Calming Tools | Providing your child with the tools to calm themselves down can help them take ownership over their own feelings. It is best to introduce these one at a time and provide them when your child is in a good mood. You can find some of our favorite calming tools here.
Support Groups | If you are a parent of angry children, you may be unsure about where to find information or help. One way to find free useful information is by browsing the internet or finding support groups on Facebook.
Some of our favorites include:
Supporting Sensory Needs with Essential Oils
Parenting Kids and Teens with Social Anxiety
Working with Teachers | Work closely with your child’s teacher to provide assistance in recognizing and avoiding triggers of your son or daughter’s rage. Children with anger management issues may not even realize they are angry, so this will require diplomacy and discretion on both parents’ and teacher’s parts.
Asking the School for Help | You also can ask your child’s principal or school psychologist for referrals to social workers who may be able to help your child learn to deal with uncomfortable emotions in socially acceptable ways.
Consult a Professional | If your child has demonstrated problems with controlling his or her anger or attitude, you may want to consult a neuropsychologist or behavioral therapist who can advise you about whether your child might benefit from counseling or group therapy.
Affection | Last, but definitely not least, give your child plenty of hugs and be a good listener to learn more about his or her personal needs and concerns.
If you think your child’s anger issues are because of stress, be sure to read how to help your child deal with stress as well.
Albany, NY mom blogger Kori is a stay at home mom of three, an aspiring homeschooler, and the lone driving force behind Just Another Mom where she provides resources and inspiration for the everyday mom. When she’s not blogging or keeping busy on social media, Kori enjoys watching Jeopardy, spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and singing. Connect with her on Facebook or Pinterest.
Hello, My second child always seems angry about something, and sadly is widely known for her “grumpy face”. I often wonder if it could be a vitamin deficiency of some sort, as she is thin and a picky eater. It is hard to accept that six year old can be that angry ALL the time!
my daughter has resting bitch face (RBF from now on)..i can say that now that she has claimed it also lol. I Love her with all my heart..when she was young i divorced her father and had money issues etc as a single mom of 2..but she was this way even before that…always seemed mad or sad or depressed..unable to accomplish even small tasks and would get frustrated easily….she was eventually diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD..We tackled it, made lists of what to do when and how to do it.. She was put on medication and it helped but made her into a zombie..so she chose to go off her meds at 16. She is now an adult in her 20’s working a full time job just moved out on her own and is thriving…it was all because she was unable to get things done, communicate how she felt, and understand what was going on with her body that was causing the anger and the doctor told me that RBF will not go away it is simply who she is…and a halmark in Inattentive ADHD. I Love her and her RBF and wouldnt change it for the world.
My 2nd born 6 year old is also angry all the time. I hope it is just an age development quirk. Help!
Pingback: Loving an Explosive Child | When Things Go Really Wrong - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: 13 Helpful Phrases to Calm an Angry Child - Lemon Lime Adventures
Pingback: A Surprising New Way of Eating that Will Calm Your Angry Child
Pingback: 7 Sure-Fire Ways to Squash Back to School Anxiety