Helping Your Child Deal With Anger

September 16, 2008

picture by virgipix

Angry emotion of a child is a big concern to many parents.  It’s a challenge to the parents to guide your child the correct way to express his anger.  You might have heard of the “terrible twos” when your toddler bites, hits, screams and throws up a big tantrums when he could not get what he wants.  This is because he does not know how to express his anger.  However, before dealing with your child’s anger, it is important to know what  is anger and what causes it?

What is ANGER?

ANGER is a normal and healthy emotion.  It is perfectly normal with being angry.  It is a natural response when we need to fight for our rights and defend ourselves when we feel threatened.  It can range from frustration to fury anger if emotion is not well managed.

What causes anger in a toddler?

1. The toddler is feeling helpless regarding the situation that they are in.
2. When he is ask to do some things that they do not want to do.
3. When he does not want to share their belongings. (Probably toys and snacks)
4. When he is being hit by other children.
5. Lonely, his peers refused to play with them.

Help your child learns how to express his anger

It is important to understand their state of emotions before guiding him the appropriate way to express his anger.

1. It is alright to be angry. - Do not prevent your child from being angry. It is perfectly normal to be angry. Allow him to display his emotions be it pleasant or unpleasant.
2. Be a role model - Be a role model when you manage your anger.  Your child model after the way you manage your anger.  If you take a deep breadth, calm down and react to situations, your child will tend to follow you in future.
3. Encourage your child to speak up - Prompt your child to speak up and tell you what makes them angry so that you could analyze and explain the situation to them.
4. Use story books - Use storybooks to illustrate to them how to deal with their anger.

When your child recognise that they could control their anger, they will be able to react in a less agressive way when he deals with his emotions.

Posted in Toddler Behavior