Teenage is the most crucial stage of every human being. Parents, who cannot manage their kids are also in search of ways to manage them. It is a time when they turn out to be verbally and physically aggressive. If they don’t learn how to manage their anger, they’ll have difficulty at school, in relationships, and in their careers.
Although anger is a normal, healthy emotion, it’s important to know how to deal with it; and managing anger is something important in life in respect to keeping a balanced personality. Knowing how to cope with anger and how to express it in a socially appropriate manner are important skills for teens to learn. Here are some concepts and strategies that can help teach teens anger management skills.
Every family may have different expectations as to how anger should be handled. Some families have very little tolerance at yelling while they are in other families; yelling is a normal means of communicating.
You should not allow name-calling, physical violence, or threats in your home. Establish clear consequences for breaking the rules.
Teach your teen the difference between angry feelings and aggressive behavior. Angry feelings are completely acceptable. Aggressive behavior, however, is not OK. Make it clear that it’s never OK to throw things, slam doors, or deliberately break objects.
Talk about the importance of speaking up without being violent and high jacking anyone else’s rights. Role-play on specific issues with your teen, such as what to do if someone cuts in front of them in line or how to respond if they feel they are being taken advantage of by someone else.
You can teach teens to put themselves on a time-out when they are struggling with anger. Give them a quick break to gather their thoughts in a private space, or encourage them to end a conversation with a friend goes out of bound and gets heated.
If your teen chooses to take a time-out, don’t follow them or insist upon continuing the conversation while they are still upset. Instead, agree to revisit the conversation after a brief cool-down period.
Teach your teen more about handling anger with your behavior than your words. Words can be arrogant when your anger is on the increase. If you yell, swear, and break things, don’t expect your teens to control their anger.
Inspire them with appropriate ways to deal with angry feelings. Show your child how to talk when you are angry. You can be a role model in managing anger.