Your Child Needs to Know that Anger is Perfectly Normal

One of the most important things a child needs to understand is that anger is a perfectly normal emotion. Any time your child displays anger, take the time to explain that it's acceptable to be angry, but emphasize as well that he or she needs to find creative ways to cope with those feelings.

Constructively teach your child that outbursts are frowned upon because they are a very negative approach to a naturally occurring emotion. Never counteract anger with anger. As the parent or caregiver, your job is to help your child develop ways to become a properly functioning adult.

Some anger issues, however,are disorders that need professional help.Bipolar disorder is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed behavioral disorders. Sufferers are subject to severe mood swings. In children and adolescents, bipolar disorder is often written off as simply immature and erratic behavior. People who suffer from bipolar disorder often go undiagnosed for up to ten years. During that ten year period mood swings may range from one extreme to the other. Manic elation can quickly turn to manic depression without warning to those around the affected person. Intense emotions consume the bipolar disorder sufferer and can lead to suicidal thoughts.

For anger issues that arise from serious disorders, professional help is needed. Often prescribed medication and cognitive behavior therapy will provide effective anger control.

The most effective anger management comes from recognizing the difference between Reacting and Responding.What's the difference between reacting to a situation or responding to it? The answer is simple: a lot! A reaction is often a quick, rash action that does little or nothing to remedy the original situation. A response is more calculated; it is thought before action. Reacting and responding are two totally different ways to deal with an anger situation.

Famed motivational speaker Zig Ziglar explained reaction vs. response by using a simple example similar to this: If you were to go to the doctor for excessive dry skin and the medicated cream he gave you caused a rash, it "reacted" badly. On the other hand, if the medication cleared up the initial issue, it "responded" very well. A "reaction" is most often thought of as negative while a "response" is looked at in a more positive light.

We can take that analogy to heart with every aspect of life, including the ability to deal with anger. Rashly reacting to a situation often breeds negative emotion. Taking the time to respond to the same situation creates a much more positive atmosphere. Choose to respond to things that anger you instead of reacting to them.

Anger management in children could be approached via the respond vs. react method. When the child in your care reacts negatively to anger, talk to him or her about the situation. Explain how a positive response will turn everyone's mood around and make everyone more approachable in the long run. Take the time to explain to the child that proper methods of anger management will help defuse the emotional bomb inside. By defusing this bomb, the child will be able to achieve his or her goals in a more constructive and successful manner.