Parents are Worried that their Anger might be Influencing their Children. Here’s what Experts say
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/
Many parents experience frustration when their young children have tantrums over things like misplaced toys, sibling conflicts, or screen-time limits. However, a new poll from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital reveals that 12% of parents are concerned that their child’s anger may lead to bigger problems. Sarah Clark, codirector of the poll, explains that as children grow, they face new challenges that may trigger their anger, such as difficult teachers or conflicts with classmates.
A recent Mott Poll, conducted with 1,031 parents of children aged 6 to 12, found that many parents are concerned about their own anger management, with 70% admitting they sometimes model poor behavior. Experts suggest that public displays of anger by adults, whether by parents or others, can negatively influence children. However, parents can also serve as positive role models by demonstrating healthy ways to manage anger. Dr. Neha Chaudhary emphasizes that by managing their own emotions, parents can significantly impact their children’s emotional development.
Recognizing the signs
Fourteen percent of parents report that their child gets angry more frequently than peers, with these parents often expressing concern about their own anger management and the potential issues caused by their child’s anger. A higher percentage of parents of boys (43%) compared to girls (33%) noted negative consequences from their child’s anger, such as harming others or facing school troubles. Experts suggest that boys may struggle to identify and talk about anger, making it harder for them to cope. Additionally, busy schedules can exacerbate stress, leading to more outbursts. If anger persists despite using coping strategies, seeking professional help may be necessary, as ongoing anger could indicate underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Positive strategies for handling anger
Managing a child’s anger can be challenging, especially as each child has unique needs. Thirty percent of parents report not receiving advice on anger management, and while over 60% of children learn anger management at school, less than half of parents receive resources to address the issue at home.
Experts recommend keeping a “trigger tracker” to identify patterns in anger episodes, and reframing the issue by focusing on teaching coping mechanisms rather than blaming the child. Effective anger management strategies include proactive practices, like deep breathing, distraction, or engaging in stress-relieving activities, which should be practiced when the child is calm to make them easier to apply in moments of anger.
Anger management techniques can help all children, with specific strategies for boys who may struggle to express emotions. One suggested method is “trash-can basketball,” where children write their angry feelings on paper, crumple it, and throw it into a trash can, or tear the paper to release tension. Patience is crucial since children’s brains are still developing, and it’s important to view anger as a natural emotion, like sadness, that requires learning how to cope with it effectively.
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