How to properly support angry children: Learn how to stay calm in challenging situations, understand anger and support your child.
Dealing with angry children: How to stay calm and support your child
Every child experiences anger. Whether frustration, anger or disappointment - strong feelings are an important part of development. But how can parents and caregivers react appropriately without letting the situation escalate? Here you can find out how to stay calm and support your child in challenging moments.
Why do children get angry?
Anger is a natural emotion that often arises from unfulfilled needs, disappointments or excessive demands. Children do not yet have the same emotion regulation strategies as adults. Therefore, they need support to classify and process their feelings.
Keep calm: Your behavior influences the situation
Children look to adults for guidance. If you stay calm, you convey security. Deep breathing or a conscious pause will help you to remain calm. If you react calmly, your child will also be able to calm down more quickly.
Naming and understanding feelings
Instead of judging or suppressing your child's anger, help them to name their emotions: "I see that you are very angry right now." This creates understanding and shows your child that feelings are allowed. Ask what exactly made them angry in order to find a solution.
Show alternatives to anger reactions
Children need tools to express their anger without screaming or hitting. Helpful alternatives include:
- Hitting a pillow
- Breathe deeply
- Painting or writing something
- Take a break in a quiet area
- Finding a solution together
After the anger: Reflecting together
Once your child has calmed down, you can talk together about what happened. Without blaming them, you can ask, "What made you so angry?" or "How could we have solved this differently?" This will help your child to better understand their feelings and use new strategies in the future.
Conclusion: Understanding anger as a learning opportunity
Anger is not a "bad" emotion - it helps children recognize their needs. If you support your child in dealing with their feelings, you will help them develop healthy emotion regulation strategies in the long term. Your calmness and understanding are the most important anchors in this.
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