Anger Management Techniques for Children

Anger management techniques for children refer to the process of using psychological techniques and exercise to remedy uncontrollable anger and excessive aggression in a child or teenager.

The procedure can effectively reduce the triggers, levels of anger and effects of the mind state thus promoting stress relief.

The Causes of Anger

The first stage of anger management is identifying the factors that trigger anger in the children.

Knowing the root cause of the problem is half way to solving it.

Anger may be caused by direct provocation, illness or certain behavioral traits by those around the child like parents with arguing tendencies or violent traits.

Signal Awareness

The second stage of anger management techniques for children is being aware of the signs and symptoms projected when one is angry.

Some of the observable signs and behaviors may include increased rate of breathing, reddening of the face and tight skin or tense muscles.

Management Techniques

Once the origins and signs have been identified, then the next stage is to use the various tried and tested anger management techniques for children. Be aware that the techniques work differently in selected cases.

What works for one child will not automatically and necessarily work for the other so a blanket application is not advisable. Some of the well-known techniques that may be used are as follows:

Taking Deep Breaths - this is a good response to stress because it lowers the blood pressure by slowing the heart rate down. The child should inhale, hold their breath for a second and exhale, then repeat this for between 10 to 20 minutes or until they totally relax. Counting forwards or backwards as they breathe is also a strategy here that can calm the child.

Visual Distraction - one can use images the children like or are fond of to divert their attention. This technique uses the belief that the child will relax as the mind wonders to his or her happy and peaceful place projected by the good image. They will then naturally relax and the anger will sift out slowly without them even realizing. The negative thoughts that fuel the anger will be converted to positive thoughts in the mind.

Exercising - a dose of exercise is sure to keep stress and as a result anger away. It does not have to be intense exercising but rather doing everyday activities like walking, running and playing mobile or physical games. These act as effective alternatives to anger.

Listening to Music - encouraging the child to listen to their favorite music is a sure way of managing the anger in them. Music cuts across all age groups and has relaxing or calming effects that helps to focus the mind.

Laughter is the Best Medicine - laughing or being happy goes a long way in helping the body to relax tense muscles and provide stress relief. Laughing releases ‘happy' chemicals that lower body tension. So, it is advisable that if you are a parent or guardian, you can crack a favorite joke to the child.

Pet Therapy - it is a fact that children brought up in families with pets experience fewer issues relating to anger as compared to those who grow up without pets. Stress hormones are known to decrease when a child hugs a pet or when the child is in the company of a pet. Blood pressure also decreases.

Freedom of Expression - it is wise to provide the child with a venting path to let off the steam. This can be a way for them to release the negative energy and may include drawing, riding bike, walking, punching a pillow, gaming or explaining why they are angry. You can then ask them what they think the solution to the problem is.

Rewards

You can reward the child on condition they calm down. This lets them know that anger is not good but being calm is. You can also offer them compliments after they have settled down. Taking them out for a treat when they are calm will teach them that calmness and not anger is valued.

It is very important for a child to know how to handle anger when still young because the chances of doing so as an adult are extremely difficult. Research on anger management techniques for children has revealed that youngsters who are always angry are more likely to lack satisfaction in the future.

Harboring anger or not letting go of the stress for a long time will leave the child in a frustrated state of mind even after he or she grows up.

That is why experts in anger management recommend that anger management techniques for children need to be applied before the child reaches adolescence

From Anger Management Techniques for Children to the main page about Anger Disorder