Helping Kids Manage Anger
The other day I was walking through the grocery store watching a child throw a fit over something his mother wouldn’t buy him. I smiled at her, saying “no worries, it happens to the best of us”, as she felt the need to apologize. My heart went out for her.
Years ago, before I had my own children, I would have most likely thought this type of behavior was the result of poor parenting. And then I had to endure the same challenges with my own son, to the point where I was afraid to bring him out in public. Little did I know at the time that both ADHD and Autism would be the culprits behind his low frustration tolerance and a slew of other difficulties he still currently faces.
But emotions are very difficult for all young children to self regulate, especially anger, because they haven't fully developed the mental maturity to do so.
I’ve been learning a number of strategies over the last couple of years that help both my sons diffuse their frustrations and learn to respond to certain events appropriately. Attached is an article with some of those effective strategies.
One thing that I remind myself of again and again, especially on those days I may be a little more sleepy or on edge is that I can’t ever expect my kids to use these strategies or control their emotions if I don’t do so myself. Being a role model and showing how these strategies can work is the first and most important step in making progress to change. So I have to laugh when I hear “Mom, take a few deep breaths”.
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