Here’s How To Handle An Angry Child With Ease

Maybe you are the mom of a child who seems to explode at the slightest thing.

Whether it’s a loud noise, or simply not getting what they want, some children seem to react with anger, while other children are hardly fazed.

But what gives? Have you ever wondered what makes your child go from 0-10 in a split second?

Raising an emotionally charged child can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

The first step is finding out what makes your child explode.

Some children have hot buttons, and when those buttons are pushed, they lose it.

Scary Mommy reported:

“Through his work with explosive children, Dr. Greene developed the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, which teaches adults dealing with these children a new way to approach things like discipline so that you have better luck getting to the root of their problems.

The CPS model is based on the theory that “challenging behavior occurs when the demands and expectations being placed on a kid exceed the kid’s capacity to respond adaptively.” So it’s not that these kids are bad or manipulative, or any other negative characterization; it’s just that their brains literally can’t handle what is expected of them.

When their brains can’t properly articulate their issues or frustrations, then they lash out. So dealing with their behavior is all a matter of approach.”

The key is to pay attention to when your child gets angry.

Is it not knowing the answer to a test?

Having to stop what they are doing, and start a new activity?

Being given responsibilities they feel ill-equipped to do?

Instead of labeling a child as “bad”, try to find out the root cause of what is making your child so upset.

Perhaps they need clearer direction, or examples on how to complete a task.

Other times, they might need firm discipline, and need to be taught the important lesson that they can’t always get what they want, when they want.

Some moms have shared their helpful tips such as using countdowns or reminding their children of the set schedule.

Scary Mommy continued:

“Recognizing that bath time and bedtime are triggers, I use the countdown system, telling him:

In 20 minutes we’re going to put on our pajamas and get ready for bed.

You can watch one more episode of your show before it’s time to take a bath.”

It doesn’t always stop the tantrum from happening, but he can’t say he wasn’t warned it was coming. And when I say 20 minutes, or one more episode, I mean it. You can’t let them talk you out of it because you want to avoid a fight. You have to stand firm on what behaviors you will and won’t allow.

Getting explosive kids to use their words is also critical. Often the frustration that leads to lashing out is because the child can’t properly articulate their thoughts or feelings. “Use your words,” is a common phrase in my house.”

Raising a child who struggles with anger can be hard. The key is to get ahead of it while they are still young, so bad habits can be corrected, and your “angry” child doesn’t grow up to be an explosive rageaholic adult.

Try different techniques in your home, and you are sure to find one that works best for your family.

What are some ways you deal with your child when they become angry?

Do you think guidelines and schedules work to reduce tantrums?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.


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