Anger is a normal emotion everyone feels every now and then. However, if it is not addressed correctly, anger can turn into violence which can be very detrimental, especially to a child’s development, health and relationships. This guide about anger management in children will help you out.

Model Good Behaviour

The best way to teach your toddler how to deal with anger constructively is to lead by example. If your little one sees you becoming irritated while waiting in line or speaking rudely to your household help, he will assume that anger is an acceptable behaviour. Choose the right words and actions to express anger the proper way. For instance, instead of shouting at him because he keeps on playing with his food, say, “Mommy is angry right now. For the last time, stop playing with your food or you will go into time-out.”.

Promote Self-expression

All too often, toddlers display anger by showing aggression (e.g. screaming, biting, hitting or throwing things) because they do not have the words to show their emotions. Talk to your toddler about his feelings. Ask him what happened, how he feels and what he wants to do about it. Better yet, teach him this statement: “I am feeling ________ when ________ because ________.” This way, every time he feels angry, he can identify his feelings and handle his anger better, making it easier for him to manage this emotion.

Teach Your Toddler How To Relax

It is very important for children to learn how to deal with anger. Teach your toddler ways to cool off. Tell your toddler that each time he feels angry, he should walk away, count to ten, take slow deep breaths and do a relaxing activity (e.g. drawing, coloring or writing in a journal) and come back once he has cooled off. Redirecting one’s thoughts is the best way to calm down so one can think with a level head.

Teach Your Toddler To Resolve Problems

Once your toddler has calmed down, it is time to face the problem. Teach him to solve problems in four easy steps – stop the action, listen, come up with solutions and decide which option is best. Give him different scenarios so he can practice the steps.

Instil The Value of Sympathy

Teach your toddler to empathize and be forgiving of others. Empathy can help your little one feel less irate and annoyed by letting him understand the situation from a different point of view which helps your toddler treat others compassionately. For example, if your toddler is arguing with his playmate because the other child will not share his toy, ask him, “Why do you think your playmate does not want to share?” or “If you were your playmate, would you share your toy?”.

Help Your Toddler Identify The Symptoms

Teach your toddler to spot the signs that warn him he is getting mad. If your toddler’s cheeks get flushed, his eyes widen, if he scrunches his fists or he breathes faster, point them out to him by saying, “Baby, your clenching your fist. Do you feel angry right now?”. The earlier he recognizes the signs, the sooner he can calm himself down.

Teaching anger management in toddlers is not easy. But with a little patience and practice, you can train your child the right way to handle anger and help him deal with different people and circumstances without making his blood boil.