Experts at the National Network for Child Care note that, while anger is a normal emotion, many people have difficulty openly expressing anger in a healthy way. It's common for adults to avoid feelings of anger, and it's also just as common that we express it in unhealthy ways, such as through hitting or yelling. You may provide support to children struggling with anger by teaching them to express and channel their anger in a constructive way.
Physical Activities
KidsHealth.org notes that physical activity can be one of the most effective anger management techniques, especially for impulsive or high-energy children. If a child learns to identify when he feels angry, he can use physical exercise to release some of the tension before he has an outburst. Physical activities can include running, shooting baskets or doing jumping jacks.
Communicate Feelings
According to the National Network for Child Care, communication is critical to anger management. Children should be guided to express their feelings in words. Teach the child to talk with you or another adult about his angry feelings; this is an important step in building effective communication strategies and anger management skills. Teach your child to count to 10 and to think about his feelings before he expresses his anger. Once a child has expressed himself and received support with his problem, he will begin to associate talking with problem solving.
Relaxation Techniques
Sources at KidsHealth.org suggest a wide variety of ways that children can physically calm their own anger response by learning self-soothing techniques. These include singing a song, drawing a picture or doing deep-breathing exercises. You may teach children simple meditation techniques in which they can close their eyes and relax their bodies, allowing their anger to subside. The National Network for Child Care notes that relaxation techniques can be critical for children who have a strong physical response to anger. Also, you can encourage these techniques by modeling them in front of your children.
