Anger is an emotion that appears as certain children's behaviors, such as temper tantrums, biting, fighting, pouting and whining. Teaching your children techniques to control their anger at a young age will lessen the likelihood that their anger will escalate to physical expressions in the future. These anger techniques are not a substitute for medical treatment; so consult with a health care provider to discuss potential risks.
Learn the Signs
Learning how to control anger takes time and practice. First, teach a child the signs of anger, such as a racing heart, breathing faster and muscle tightening. Once children start to exhibit an anger sign, you can acknowledge they're getting angry by mentioning the sign and asking what's on their mind. As children mature, they will start to recognize the anger signs themselves and may choose to talk to you about it, instead of expressing anger.
Talk About It
Teaching children to talk about their anger allows them to express the feeling and gives you the chance to see whether it's a normal outburst or a more serious condition requiring medical intervention. In addition, when children are young, the rules and boundaries seem like a hindrance to them, and sometimes they just want someone they trust to listen to them. If children have a difficult time talking to you or a close relative, find a professional counselor.
Write it Out
Journals provide outlets where children can express their anger freely through words and drawings. One way a journal turns a negative situation into a more positive situation is writing a letter. If a child is mad at a particular individual, suggest that he or she write a letter, express the emotions to that person, and seal it in the journal.
Exert Some Energy
Taking a walk, running and riding a bicycle are ways to encourage your child to vent feelings of anger that have built up inside. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, exercise helps to stimulate endorphins, chemicals in the brain that help us to relax and feel calm.
Use Calming Techniques
Listening to music, playing a musical instrument, drawing, painting or even taking a nap are ways to help divert the mind from the anger and focus on another task. In addition, teaching children to take deep breaths, repeat calming words, or imagine a calm place or person are other ways to learn to block negative thoughts and replace them with positive influences.
