Monday 4 January 2010

Anger Management For Youths

By Colin Jones

Anger, a perfectly normal emotion, can change into something frightening and ugly. The first thought you might have of anger issues may bring about images of a couple fighting, a parent abusing a child, a teenager lashing out at a teacher or a parent. Rarely will images of angry children come to mind. Unfortunately children, at very young ages, have to deal with feelings of anger and rage. This is a truth which is often difficult for adults to understand or deal with.

Children, young children especially, aren't normally aware of their emotions. When children become upset or mad they simply display these emotions through their behaviour. A good example of this might be a little boy in a supermarket who throws a tantrum because he's upset. Many parents have had to deal with similar circumstances. It is sad that often these occurrences are overlooked or dismissed because they are "just children". Anger management in kids is just as important, or perhaps even more important than anger management in grown-ups.

A child needs teaching and guidance from their coming into the world to their entrance into adulthood. The things they learn throughout their young lives are likely to form the person they become as an adult. For this reason, anger management in kids with difficulties dealing with their foul temper is crucial important. So, finding ways of teaching anger management for kids usually presents challenges.

There are programs designed especially for children with frustration, anxiety and anger management issues. Finding one that works for a particular child might require testing many methods. Not all youths will respond to the same treatment for anger management for kids. Because a child cannot always relate their feelings surrounding angry outburst, finding the right way of tackling it may take some time. Until the issue is resolved or at least controlled, it is imperative to continue looking.

Kids may respond well to worksheets, games and fun activities. All of these can be used to great effect to teach anger management for kids. Developing programs which incorporate each of these methods might be the best route to take. A child completing a worksheet, colouring sheet or participating in games and activities with underlying messages regarding anger management for kids, may not even realize they are working on their anger-related problems.

Making the activity fun doesn't mean that the anger issue has to be left out. Choosing fun activities which teach healthy interaction and decision making might be good for anger management for children. Teaching them to take turns and helping them to learn that they can't always be the best or the winner would definitely make a difference when confrontational situations arise. Little activities which instill values and positive thinking would be beneficial for anger management for kids.

If a child is old enough to talk about their anger problem, encouraging them to share their emotions is important. Suggesting they talk to someone who they feel comfortable with and trust is a good idea regarding anger management in children. Asking them to write or make a drawing about their emotions may help them disclose their underlying issues, whether fear, hurt or sadness.

If you can teach them to ask for help when they feel threatened or angry, it would definitely help the child with an anger-related problem. The important thing to realize when considering anger management for kids is that they are just "kids". Their minds are not equipped to handle adult situations and so they will need a much more careful approach.

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