How to Help Your Child Cope with Anger

Anger is a natural emotion that we all feel from time to time. It can be helpful in some situations, but it can also lead to problems if it’s not dealt with in a healthy way. If your child has trouble managing anger, it can be difficult for both of you. You may not know how to help them, and they may feel like they are out of control. That’s why it’s important to get help from a reputable anger management therapist who can teach your kids how to cope with anger in a healthy way.

Below are some tips to help your child manage their anger.

Explain the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Anger

It’s normal for kids to feel angry sometimes. However, it’s important to help kids understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy anger. Healthy anger is an emotion that can be expressed in appropriate ways, like through talking or writing. Unhealthy anger is an emotion that’s expressed in harmful ways, like through hitting or yelling.

When kids understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy anger, they’re more likely to be able to express their feelings in appropriate ways.

Help Them Understand What Triggers Their Anger

Helping your child to understand what triggers their anger is an important step in anger management. Once they are aware of what sets off their anger, they can begin to avoid or remove themselves from those situations.

For example, if your child gets angry when they are hungry, you can help them by teaching them to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. If they get angry when they are tired, you can help them by establishing a regular bedtime routine.

Teach Them How to Calm Down when They’re Angry

Teaching your child how to calm down when they’re angry can involve showing them some deep breathing exercises or helping them find a creative outlet for their frustration, like writing or painting.

It’s also important to model healthy anger management yourself and avoid yelling or getting physical with your child when you’re angry. By teaching them how to calmly deal with their emotions, you can help your child better manage their anger and build healthier relationships
with others.

Encourage Them to Express Their Feelings in a Healthy Way

As parents, you can help your child identify their emotions and talk about how they are feeling. This can be done by giving them plenty of opportunities to express themselves, such as through play or art. You can also help them to label their emotions, so that they can better understand what they’re feeling.

By teaching your child how to manage their anger in a healthy way, you can help them avoid negative coping mechanisms, such as hitting, yelling, or using drugs or alcohol.

Praise Them for Any Progress They Make in Managing Their Anger

Children are notoriously sensitive to criticism, and this is especially true when it comes to managing their emotions. When your child does something that shows that they are trying to manage their anger, it is important to praise them for their progress. This will help them feel
encouraged and motivated to keep working on managing their anger.

Try to be specific in your praise and avoid phrases like “good job” or “way to go.” Instead, point out exactly what you saw them do that you were impressed with.

Get Help If Needed

If you’re struggling to help your child effectively manage their anger, it may be time to seek outside assistance. Anger management therapists near Oakville can provide guidance and support that can be essential in teaching your child how to navigate their intense emotions.

In addition to professional help, there are many resources available to parents who are looking for ways to assist their children with anger management. Books, websites, and articles can offer valuable insights and strategies.

Visit Family Matters Centre for Anger Management Therapy for Kids

Family Matters Centre can help your child with their anger management by helping them find healthy ways of dealing with their emotions. Our anger management therapists near Oakville specialize in anxiety, anger, self-esteem, social skills, trauma, ADHD, and chronic illness. We also offer group therapy sessions for children and teenagers. With the right help, you can give your child the tools they need to manage their anger in a healthy and productive way. If you’re looking for a child therapist in the Burlington, Hamilton, or Oakville area, call us today at (905) 466-8023 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.