It"s OK to Get Angry
Children can get angry for a number of reasons including conflict over possessions, security issues, rejection, teasing and taunting, bullying, being asked to do things they don't want to do.
Many also feel that the rise of violence on the TV, media and games is adding to children's aggressive behaviour.
Here are the symptoms of anger: - fast breathing blood flow to the face - muscles tense and skin feel tight - grinding of teeth - ringing in the ears - higher blood pressure - chest pains - excessive sweating - headaches How to help children manage their anger: Children must learn that feelings of anger are normal, acceptable and experienced by everyone.
They do however need to learn how to manage their anger and practice exercises to reduce and dissipate the emotion.
They need to learn to express it and channel it in a positive way.
It is important that children are given an outlet to talk about their feelings of anger in an open and honest way where they know they will be listened to.
Let a child express their anger by writing or drawing ferociously.
Giving children an opportunity to scribble vigorously helps defuse the emotion as they let it out.
Some children prefer to scream into or punch a pillow or even beat a foam bat against the ground.
Getting outside to jump or run is also a great way to let their anger out.
Let children use words to describe their angry feelings.
Ask children how they feel and let them develop words to help them express their feelings.
Here are a few examples: angry, cross, frustrated, furious, irritated, disappointed and upset.
You could even ask how their body feels while they are angry and ask where the angry feeling is in their body.
Getting children to be aware of the sensations in their body bring awareness and helps them understand the emotions and so handle it more appropriately.
Laughter is also a great way to defuse anger.
Relaxation is also a great method to help children manage their anger.
Try this exercise - Squeeze: Whenever you feel tense and angry, tighten all your muscles as tight as you can and then relax them.
Notice the difference and how you feel when you relax your muscles.
See if you can let your shoulders and jaw go and just relax.
Many also feel that the rise of violence on the TV, media and games is adding to children's aggressive behaviour.
Here are the symptoms of anger: - fast breathing blood flow to the face - muscles tense and skin feel tight - grinding of teeth - ringing in the ears - higher blood pressure - chest pains - excessive sweating - headaches How to help children manage their anger: Children must learn that feelings of anger are normal, acceptable and experienced by everyone.
They do however need to learn how to manage their anger and practice exercises to reduce and dissipate the emotion.
They need to learn to express it and channel it in a positive way.
It is important that children are given an outlet to talk about their feelings of anger in an open and honest way where they know they will be listened to.
Let a child express their anger by writing or drawing ferociously.
Giving children an opportunity to scribble vigorously helps defuse the emotion as they let it out.
Some children prefer to scream into or punch a pillow or even beat a foam bat against the ground.
Getting outside to jump or run is also a great way to let their anger out.
Let children use words to describe their angry feelings.
Ask children how they feel and let them develop words to help them express their feelings.
Here are a few examples: angry, cross, frustrated, furious, irritated, disappointed and upset.
You could even ask how their body feels while they are angry and ask where the angry feeling is in their body.
Getting children to be aware of the sensations in their body bring awareness and helps them understand the emotions and so handle it more appropriately.
Laughter is also a great way to defuse anger.
Relaxation is also a great method to help children manage their anger.
Try this exercise - Squeeze: Whenever you feel tense and angry, tighten all your muscles as tight as you can and then relax them.
Notice the difference and how you feel when you relax your muscles.
See if you can let your shoulders and jaw go and just relax.
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