Anger is defined as a naturally strong emotion in a human being which comes as a result of something that has triggered hostility or displeasure about some event or person.
This is precisely the reason why you just might not know what you need to do with an angry child. Children are simple human beings and their problems are also as simple. So the question is – what triggers their anger?
Anger in kids is mostly the consequence of misunderstanding, false accusation and unfair treatment or just a feeling of insecurity.
Apart from this, ‘anger’ can also be a disguise of some other emotion, which your child is not able to express, and this may just not be an immediate reaction to something.
When old emotions bottle up and reach the very edge of a child’s patience or saneness, it is then that the child tends to easily get irritated or angry.
Here are a few tips to show you how you can deal with your kid’s anger:
1. Teach him how to express
‘Expression of emotions’ is a trait not everybody learns on their own. It is your duty to help your child understand the importance of expressing his feelings at any given time. And to encourage that you will have to take time off your busy schedule and truly listen to his said and unsaid emotions.
2. Anger does not kill anger
There is no point whatsoever in you getting angry over your child’s anger. Nothing is going to get solved this way. In fact, your child’s anger may actually be a reaction to your own stress and the way you deal with it. It is a known fact that if you are stressed, your children also feel stressed. So, learn to relax and be a calm parent, which will automatically be imbibed in your children too. Remember, children learn what they see.
3. Dismissal is never a solution
Dismissing any problem is never going to lead you to a solution. Accepting and facing problems is the only way you can deal with them in a proper way. Remember, for children, everything is a big deal. So, treat their problems that way. Sitting with your children, attentively listening to them, and finding a solution together to whatever is making your child angry, is one of the best possible ways to deal with the anger in your child.
4. Discourage aggressive behavior
Anger is an emotion we all feel. So do our children. And it’s perfectly normal. What can lead to abnormality and behavior issues is the aggression that accompanies anger. Although it’s good if your child expresses anger, it is never good if he gets too aggressive about his emotion. Convey this to your child in a gentle, yet firm manner; and if need be, you will have to use unambiguous and steady consequences to help him limit his aggression.
