ANGER: THE BIGGEST ADOLESCENT EMOTIONAL ISSUE

Anger is a big emotional issue in the adolescent days and managing it seems to be even bigger. But children who can manage their anger can handle their fears as well as their other emotions can have a healthy life.

Basically in four ways anger is dealt with. However, only the last one on the list is said to be healthy.

• Muzzling anger- here it is said to bury your anger that will finally make an exit for the anger. But for most of the children, this doesn’t work since anger doesn’t go away totally.

   

• Muscling anger- some adolescents lash out physically for making their parents, siblings or friends can feel their anger literally.

   

• Mouthing anger- generally verbal abuse is painful as it backfires the person who is angry.

   

• Managing anger- anger can also be given a vent by ways that don’t hurt anyone including the ones who are angry.

   

The 5 steps that are the components of an anger management program for teenagers:

1. Recognizing anger: help your child recognize when they are getting angry. Point out the thoughts in their minds and their physical signs.

    

2. Naming anger: coin a phrase when your child is getting angry. Phrases like ‘short fuse’, ‘mad as a snake’ may calm him down.

    

3. Choosing anger: make you child recognize that they can either be in control or lose their control.

    

4. Saying anger: encourage your child to give expressions to his anger. This is a healthy thing to do. But shouting at somebody when your child is not angry is just the opposite.

    

5. Let the anger out: help your child to find a vent out for their anger. The many possibilities may include belting a pillow, going for a run or playing a physical game to letting out the frustration.