Wags Over Worries

Parenting is never easy and particularly challenging when facing an angry or cranky kiddo at home. But the good news is that there are strategies that can help your child calm down, and learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way. In this article, we will share some nurturing approaches to help your child find their calm.

First, it's important to identify the source of the child's anger to address it effectively. Children can get angry for various reasons, such as feeling frustrated, anxious, sick, hungry, or tired.

Once the triggers are identified, you can plan accordingly to maintain your kiddo's wellness. For example, if your child gets irritable when hungry, ensure they have snacks during the day. If you notice your child is not feeling well while having an outburst, be compassionate and ensure they are safe and respectful.

It takes patience, observation, planning, and compassion. Easier said than done, right? Also, sometimes it's okay for them to be upset when caregivers reinforce the rules. No means No, and stick with it. Consistency is key. Despite what kiddos say, they crave structure, support, and safety.

It's also important to recognize that our kiddos maintain composure for most of the school day. They are brave and resilient. Do you remember when you were in school? Sometimes, we just needed to power through the day. When your kiddos get home, sometimes they need a safe space to unravel. You just happen to be their safe space. Remember to listen with compassion and intention.

Here are some bonus tips to help calm your kiddo during the tough times:

Mindfulness: Simple strategies include deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a walk. Also, perhaps they need to hit the pause button, or in old school terms, a time out. Sometimes, kiddos just need a few minutes alone to cool off. You can also encourage your child to express their feelings through words or drawings, which can help them process their emotions. Also, try to maintain a compassionate tone and avoid yelling, unless safety is an issue.

Praise away: Praise your child when they manage their anger effectively. Positive reinforcement can help your child learn that they have the power to control their temper. Kiddos' well-being correlates to their ability to feel in control and safe. Instead of punishing your child for angry outbursts, focus on rewarding them for good behavior. Verbal praise, stickers, or small treats can be effective forms of positive reinforcement when they stay cool when things get hot or when they self-regulate their emotions.

Stay calm and patient: II feel that sometimes, this is one of the hardest things to do. Feeling frustrated and upset when your child is angry is natural, but staying calm and patient is so important. Losing your temper or raising your voice will only escalate the situation. Remember, as a parent, you are your child's role model. You lead by example by showing your child how to handle difficult situations without losing control by staying calm.

Seek professional help if needed: If your child's anger issues are affecting their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help Additionally, kiddos may be experiencing discomfort (for example, hyper-sensory issues) or are in pain, and sometimes it may manifest as anger or frustration. A doctor, therapist, or counselor can work with your child to understand any underlying issues contributing to their anger and provide effective coping mechanisms.