Anger is an emotion experienced by both adults and children, and how we handle it varies by individual. Anger can be expressed in a healthy manner without hurting yourself or another person.
Some examples of unhealthy expressions include:
Yelling/screaming: For example, "FOR THE FIFTH TIME, I SAID KNOCK IT OFF!"
Article Photos
Throwing items or hitting objects, self or others
Pulling on hair
Cooling down is an important first step when feeling angry. It may be difficult to communicate anger in a healthy way until calming down. Healthy ways to cool down include taking deep breaths, exercising, journaling, talking to a trusted friend, drawing or resting.
Once cooled off, children and adults can learn to express their anger in healthy ways by communicating through talking or writing.
"Remember to focus on the action that made you angry, not on the person. (For example: 'I feel angry when ...' or 'When Mommy comes home from work, I want to play with you, but I need you to give me a chance to put my things away and change my clothes')," according to a Managing Anger brochure prepared by the Children's Home Society of California.
Parents can use TV and movies to discuss proper and improper reactions to anger. Parents also can gain insight from watching reality series' such as "Supernanny."
The end result when parents learn to manage their own and their children's anger is children who grow more independent, have higher self-esteem and increased problem-solving skills.
Source: "Managing Anger," Children's Home Society of California.
