When you have an angry child, you may feel angry and frustrated as well. It is very easy to lose your temper when you are faced with a child that yells, pushes or kicks when he does not get his way. If you are concerned with your child’s angry impulses, speak to your pediatrician. The family as a whole may need counseling to find out where this anger is coming from and find healthier outlets for his emotions.
Step 1
Point out good behavior. Although it is easy to focus on the bad behavior of an angry child, catch him being good. Some examples of things you can say include, “I really like how you were patient while I was talking to my friend,” “You did a great job sharing your toys with your friends,” “You worked hard cleaning your room, thank you and it looks great.”
Step 2
Give yourself a time-out. A parent should walk away from an angry child and take a breather. If you lose your temper and show anger, the child is likely to mimic the behavior.
Step 3
Make time to play outside. Angry children need a physical outlet, according to the Child Development Institute. Make time to run, jump, swim and bike ride with the child. On rainy days, play hide and seek or visit an indoor gym.
Step 4
Laugh together. Humor is able to help diffuse a child’s anger, states the Dr. Sears website. Make a joke about the situation or find the silliness in the child’s tantrum and point it out to her. Laugh at yourself as well. If you make a mistake, such as spilling a drink, instead of getting angry, make a joke about it.
Step 5
Use punishment when appropriate. Never hit to punish an angry child, instead place him in time-out for several minutes to give him time to get a handle on his emotions.
