Understanding the Challenge
A national poll reveals that many parents struggle with managing their children's anger, with 12% fearing it could lead to future problems and 70% admitting they sometimes model poor anger management themselves.
The poll, conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, found that one in seven parents believe their child gets angrier than peers, and four in ten report negative consequences from their child's anger.
Strategies and Solutions
Parents are advised to help children identify calming tools and recognize the underlying causes of their anger, such as fear or disappointment. Strategies include cool-off activities, physical outlets, and ensuring sufficient sleep and exercise.
Experts emphasize the importance of modeling calm responses to anger and understanding that anger often stems from underlying emotions. They suggest seeking professional help if a child's angry outbursts persist, as it may indicate depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition.