Understanding and Coping with Anger 

It's normal for children to feel angry sometimes, and it's important to help them understand that anger is a natural emotion everyone experiences. Let your child know that it's okay to feel angry, but it's how they handle that anger that matters. Teach them that anger doesn’t need to result in hurtful actions or words and encourage them to express their feelings in healthy ways. You can suggest techniques like deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a break to cool down. Remind them that anger can be a sign that something is wrong, and talking about what made them angry can help solve the problem. By helping your child understand and manage their anger, you’re teaching them essential emotional regulation skills that will serve them throughout their life. Most importantly, let them know you’re there to support them through their emotions.

Here are some tips on helping your child cope with worries:

Acknowledge their feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel angry but remind them that it's important to express anger in a healthy way. Validate their emotions without judgment.

Stay calm: When your child is angry, model calm behaviour. Your own ability to stay composed can help your child feel more secure and teach them how to handle their emotions.

Encourage them to pause: Teach your child to take a moment before reacting when they’re feeling angry. A short pause can help them avoid impulsive actions or hurtful words.

Teach healthy expression: Show your child ways to express anger appropriately, such as talking about their feelings, drawing pictures, or engaging in physical activities like punching a pillow or going for a run.

Use deep breathing techniques: Teach your child to take deep breaths when they’re angry. Breathing in slowly through the nose and out through the mouth can help calm the body and mind.

Provide a "calm-down" space: Create a quiet space where your child can go to cool off and regain control of their emotions. This could be a cozy corner with a favourite book or calming toys.

Identify triggers: Help your child recognize what causes their anger, whether it’s frustration with a task or conflict with others. Understanding the cause can help them anticipate and manage their reactions.

Problem-solve together: Once they’ve calmed down, talk with your child about what caused their anger and brainstorm possible solutions. This helps them feel empowered and learn how to address issues without losing control.

Use "I" statements: Teach your child to express anger with "I" statements, like "I feel angry when..." This shifts the focus away from blaming others and encourages open communication.

Reinforce positive behaviour: Praise your child when they handle anger in a positive way, like taking a break or talking about their feelings. Positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue using healthy strategies.

Sara Ljuboja
School Counsellor