5 Ways you can manage your child’s anger

Little Tantrums: 5 Ways you can manage your child’s anger

Angela Goh

06 Mar 2017

updated the 3 May 2019 à 06:55

Anger management can indeed start from a young age.

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Teach them to talk it out
In a calm voice, ask your child if they can explain to you what has caused them to become so mad. By getting them to talk you through their thoughts, they will be able to slowly work through the anger and calm down. If your child isn’t in the mood to discuss the situation with you, they may be more comfortable letting their pet, toy doll or imaginary friend lend a listening ear.
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Let them blow off some steam physically
Some kids are able to work their anger off by punching a pillow or stomping their feet. Other gentler ways they can work off some steam could be talking a walk or playing a musical instrument, or even dancing. Encourage your child to do things they enjoy if they are feeling in a negative mood - reading, drawing, colouring… these can help them calm down as they are forced to refocus their thoughts on something else.
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Comfort them
Don’t underestimate the power of a hug or a cuddle to make your child feel accepted and loved. If you let your kid understand that you are there for them, and there to listen to them, they will calm down. Let them know that you truly care about their feelings and would genuinely like to help.
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Be a model example
We all know how kids like to mimic adults and their behaviour, so be sure that you handle your own anger and frustration the right way. Display positive coping skills - don’t blow up and let your child see you overreact angrily. Remember, they are always watching you, and they are always willing to copy.
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Praise them when they handle a situation well
When your little one deals with their anger in a positive way, let them know that you are proud of their efforts. They will keep in mind the fact that staying calm in bad situations are an 'adult' thing to do.

We’ve all come across an angry kid – perhaps he didn’t get the snack or toy he wanted, or she’s jealous of a younger sibling… even really young children can become enraged at the slightest provocation, and sometimes we can’t quite figure out why.

It is important for any parent to learn how to manage their children’s anger episodes. Teaching your kid anger management skills can greatly help to shape their lives as they grow older. It isn’t just about good behaviour, it is about developing a strong will to keep emotions in check and to keep moods stable.

Head up to the gallery to find out how you can manage your child’s anger so that those tantrums might one day be easier to handle, and possibly lessen in number and intensity as the years go by.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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