Though hard to believe, children have a lot to be angry about. They’re old enough to know what they want, but too young to always get what they want. Their curiosity and inexperience make them want to try everything, but they might not always succeed. Many emotions and circumstances are completely new, so they do not yet know how to handle it all. On top of it all, most kids have not yet mastered the controlling of impulses.
Deciphering emotions
The first step in anger management for children is identifying their own emotions. Anger also might not be the reason your child is aggressive.
“ … anger is almost never a primary emotion in that even when anger seems like an instantaneous, knee-jerk reaction to provocation, there’s always some other feeling that gave rise to it. – Dr. Leon F. Seltzer
Children often mask feelings, such as hurt or rejection, behind aggressive behavior. Though your child might not know exactly what set them off, asking questions to help them verbalize how they feel teaches them to distinguish different emotions and effectively achieve resolutions.
Teaching the importance of anger management for children
Though anger is an intense, scary emotion, it is not beneficial to eliminate the feeling altogether. Telling a child not to get angry might work temporarily, but the feelings will soon build up into an emotional outburst over an unrelated situation.
The key to anger management for children is exactly that: management. As with any other emotion, there is an appropriate time to be angry. Teach children how to cope with anger, instead of eliminating it. Though obvious to adults, children might not understand the difference between anger and aggression. Although feelings of anger might be justified, physical aggression, such as slamming the door or hitting the other person, is not necessary to get your point across.
For most individuals, managing anger takes a lifetime, so be patient when children are just learning. Every situation has different options for resolution, so learning to know what you can do at what time requires ongoing learning.
Wilderness therapy teaches new life skills
A deficiency in anger management for children can cause serious issues for the child, siblings and parents. If your child has difficulty managing anger, resulting in pervasive aggressive and emotional outbursts, Trails Carolina can help. Our program, designed specifically for young adolescents ages 10-13, helps teach anger management for children in a structured, safe wilderness environment.
Don’t wait to seek help. Early interventions provide the greatest chance for long-term emotional stability. Call us today at 800-975-7303.
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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022
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