Expressing Anger Appropriately

"Children rarely know how to express their anger in appropriate ways," says Linda Jacobs. "Most children express their anger through lashing out and using disruptive behaviors. They may scream, kick, hit, cry uncontrollably, throw things, and resort to temper tantrums. Many times their expression of anger only serves to get them in trouble.

"Some children will experience a tremendous amount of energy when they are angry. Give them constructive ideas about what to do with the energy they feel when they are angry. Teach them to vacuum floors, practice soccer, run, wash walls, or play a musical instrument. If a child is screaming and shouting insults, that is not the time to approach the child. Explain to the child that when he or she is calm, you will be more than happy to sit down and discuss things. This may mean putting space between you and your child."

As a parent, you can model appropriate ways to express your anger. Children will learn by watching what you do more than by hearing what you say. Teach your children what you will accept in your home.
Encourage your children to get to the place where they can talk about their anger. Give them permission to say "I am mad" without you getting upset. Encourage your children to think of ways to deal with their anger the next time it arises.

You may not understand why your children have to experience all of this anger. It says in the Bible you don't have to understand, just rely on God.

"I want you to know me, to trust me, and understand that I alone am God. I have always been God" (Isaiah 43:10 CEV).