What do you do when your child seems to get angry at the littlest things?
If you find your child frequently getting angry, throwing temper tantrums, and displaying behaviors related to anger that are not age appropriate, here are a few suggestions to handle it:
1) Look at situations where your child gets angry and try to identify triggers that are common among them:(i.e., does not get their way, perceives not being treated fairly, etc.). Make a list of them. Identify ways to avoid and address the trigger, if possible.
2)If your child is old enough, speak with them about your concerns regarding their anger and make the list described in number one collaboratively.
3) When your child starts to get angry, try to help them verbalize why they are angry (i.e., I am angry because you gave my brother the toy I wanted to play with). By helping them to verbalize the source of their anger, it opens the dialogue to work collaboratively to determine solutions to alleviate the issue. It also helps reduce physical actions when angry.
3) If your child displays significant difficulties regulating their anger, consider having them see a therapist. The younger a child is when the issue is treated, the easier it will be for the child to learn and implement strategies to better regulate their anger. A therapist can also help treat any other issues that are contributing to difficulties regulating anger.
I hope that these suggestions are helpful!
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Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in work with children, adolescents, and young adults, and is happy to answer questions and provide consultations for individuals who are considering pursuing treatment or an evaluation for their child, adolescent, or themselves. Dr. Heller can be reached at (301)-385-2610 or careyheller@thehellerpsychologygroup.com.
For appointments, please call the office at (301) 385-2610 or email The Heller Psychology Group at appt@thehellerpsychologygroup.com with your contact information and availability for appointment times.
*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship, and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*
