- The Angry Child - Gabriella Fabbri
There are many disorders that can cause excessive anger in a child. A child who becomes frustrated because he is struggling academically can become disruptive in the classroom. A student who is prone to depression can experience explosive episodes. Kids with troubled homes may also act out in school. It is important that the underlying cause of the anger be identified before determining the best course of action for the angry student.
If a student who is angry or tends to bully has an underlying disorder such as bipolar disorder or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a teacher will want to consult with the IEP team members if anger has escalated in the classroom. However, if the child has yet to be identified with any disorder, finding out why he is so upset is key to the solution.
Reasons for Anger in Children
Anger in children can take many forms. Kids express their anger by being sarcastic, blaming others, feeling sorry for themselves, being manipulative, complaining or crying excessively, arguing and being defiant, withdrawing, bullying and even losing interest in school and other activities that they used to enjoy. Many of these signs may precede tantrums and violence – either self-inflicted or toward peers and authority figures.
There are many causes of explosive anger. The symptoms mentioned above and more may surface when any of the following situations exist:
- family problems
- divorce
- mental or physical abusive home
- confusing or inconsistent rules
- expectations that are too high (or too low)
- unidentified learning disabilities or mental disabilities
- low self-esteem
- excessive stress and anxiety
Strategies for Teaching Anger Management Skills
There are several ways in which teachers can help students cope with frustration and anger. One important strategy to teach is cool-down techniques. Using counting, deep breaths, and positive imagery are ways in which kids who are easily frustrated can cool themselves down before a tantrum or meltdown occurs. But these are just some quick tips. Long-term accommodations will also help for students with anger problems.
First, teachers need to make the rules and expectations clear on the first day of school and continue to keep a consistent routine throughout the school year. Additionally, rewards and punishments must also be clearly defined up front before any disruptive behavior occurs, and must be delivered calmly and firmly. For difficult students, behavior contracts may want to be considered.
In addition to a contract, teachers can also draw up a tracking form for students so that they can monitor their own behavior. This will give them the opportunity to own their own behavior and learn responsibility. Kids with anger problems must be monitored carefully during free periods such as lunch, recess, and study halls. Make sure that contracts and tracking forms provide coverage of these times as well.
An angry student will need clear rules, calm teachers, and consistent ways to punish, reward and track their behaviors throughout the school day. Cool down methods may also be enforced in the classroom. Armed with better ways of coping with frustration and anger, students will be able to perform better in school, and deal with difficult situations that may arise throughout their lives.
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
