Anger and Behavior Problems in Children

What are the Signs of Behavior Problems in Children?
Some children have extremely difficult and challenging behaviors that are outside the norm for their age. These problems can result from temporary stressors in the child’s life, or they might represent more enduring disorders. The most common disruptive behavior disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children and adolescents sometimes argue, are aggressive, or act angry or defiant around adults. A behavior disorder may be diagnosed when these disruptive behaviors are uncommon for the child’s age at the time, persist over time, or are severe. Typical triggers for behavior problems in the home include bedtime, meal times, limits for screens, homework, and requests for chores. Children and teens can also act out at school and disrupt the classroom or their own educational experiences.
What are the Signs of Anger Issues in Children?
It is often difficult for parents to handle kids’ explosive and angry behavior, but understanding why they’re acting out can help. Anger issues in kids often happen because they don’t know how to deal with their frustration or other uncomfortable feelings. They haven’t yet learned skills for solving problems without getting upset.
Sometimes anger issues in kids are caused by another problem that needs treatment. This could be ADHD, emotional issues like anxiety or depression, learning challenges, sensory concerns, or autism.There are strategies that parents can use to help kids improve their behavior. One of the most important things is to stay calm when they get upset. This can be challenging, but it’s a great way to model good behavior. Praise them when they express their feelings calmly or calm themselves down after an explosion. It is also helpful at times to ignore tantrums. Children and teens can also implement strategies to calm themselves such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and self-talk.
How We Can Help with Anger and Behavior Problems
Wynns Family Psychology offers a variety of services to help improve behavior problems and anger in the home and at school such as: individual and play therapy for the child or teen, parent coaching to provide strategies and tips, and social skills groups. Many families also find Dr. Wynns’ book, The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook to be a valuable resource.