12 Best Anger Management Activities For Kids

Helping kids handle their anger is super important for their emotional health and overall development. 

By teaching them fun and healthy ways to deal with their anger, you can help them avoid behavioral problems and get along better with others. 

Check out these twelve awesome activities that can help your child manage their anger in a constructive and enjoyable way.

Mindfulness and cognitive activities for kids

1. Meditation 

Kids can benefit from meditation at any age. However, it’s important to adjust the form based on how old they are. Practicing meditation helps kids learn to focus and calm their minds. 

Use the meditation "A moment of Gratitude" in Storybook which is perfect for starting meditation with your child.

Meditation involves closing your eyes, breathing deeply, and visualizing emotions as bright colors. You can start today!

Guided mindfulness not only teaches about emotions but also helps strengthen your bond with your child as you practice it together. 

For more tips, check out how to help a child with social anxiety and different types of meditations.

2. Emotion identification

Helping kids identify and name their emotions is a key part of anger management. Try holding your child's hands and taking deep breaths together. 

The "Anger Thermometer" is a tool that helps kids understand and manage their anger. It’s a thermometer you put on the wall to show how angry they are.

Kids can use it to figure out and handle their feelings better.

3. Stories about anger management

Stories can be a fun and engaging way to teach kids about anger and how to manage it.You’re not the only parent facing this! Read about how Ana and Carlos helped their son Lucas, who got angry easily when things didn’t go his way. 👀 ⬇️One day, they found the story "Deflate the Anger" on the Storybook App, which tells about a boy learning to handle his frustration.That night, Lucas related to the story and started to understand that his feelings were normal and that he could manage them without getting so angry. You can try it too!

4. Body scans

A body scan is a mindfulness technique that helps kids become aware of how their body feels. Guide them through noticing sensations in different parts of their body, which can help them understand where they hold tension and how to release it.Check out How to Help Your Child Feel Loved And Valued for more tips on supporting your child’s emotional well-being.

“Kids can benefit from meditation at any age. However, it’s important to adjust the form based on how old they are.” 💡 Cleveland Clinic  

Physical Activities

By teaching them fun and healthy ways to deal with their anger, you can help them avoid behavioral problems and get along better with others. Check out these twelve awesome activities that can help your child manage their anger in a constructive and enjoyable way.

5. Exercises

Regular physical exercise is a fantastic way for kids to release pent-up energy and reduce anger. Activities like running, jumping, or even a simple game of tag can help them blow off steam and feel calmer.

6. Yoga

Yoga is great for teaching kids how to relax and control their breathing. It helps them find their inner calm and manage their emotions better. Plus, it's a fun and gentle way to get them moving. For more ideas, check out these stress relief activities for kids.

7. Martial Arts

Martial arts like karate or taekwondo not only provide a physical outlet for anger but also teach discipline and self-control. These practices help kids learn to channel their emotions in a positive way.

8. Dance

Dancing is a fun and expressive way for kids to release energy and manage their emotions. Whether it's a structured dance class or just freestyling at home, dance can help kids let go of anger and feel more relaxed.

“Multiple factors can contribute to a particular child’s struggles with anger, irritability, and aggression (behavior that can cause harm to oneself or another)”. Yale Medicine

‍Creative activities 

9. Art therapy 

Art therapy allows kids to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or sculpting. This creative outlet can be very therapeutic and help children process their anger in a healthy way.

10. Music

Playing an instrument, singing, or just listening to music can help kids relax and shift their focus away from what's making them angry. Music has a powerful effect on mood and can be a great tool for managing emotions. 

Listen now to this relaxation song in Storybook App

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The Storybook App features soothing music specifically designed to help children calm down and manage their feelings.

11. Drama

Engaging in drama or role-playing activities helps kids act out their feelings in a controlled environment. This can help them understand their emotions better and learn appropriate ways to express them.

12. Writing

Encouraging kids to write about their feelings in a journal can help them understand and process their anger. Writing provides a safe outlet for expressing emotions and can lead to greater self-awareness. 

Check out this image for key anger management activities for kids, which outline simple and effective strategies for helping children handle their anger. ⬇️

What causes extreme anger in a child?

Extreme anger in children can be triggered by various factors. One common trigger is frustration when a child cannot get what they want or is asked to do something they don't feel like doing. 

Additionally, anger issues often accompany other mental health conditions, including ADHD, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome.

How can I teach my child problem-solving skills to reduce anger?

Teaching your child problem-solving skills can help them manage their anger better. By using these steps, you can help your child develop effective problem-solving skills to manage their anger.

1. Lead by example

Show them how to handle frustration calmly and constructively in everyday situations.

2. Acknowledge that anger is natural

Let them know it's okay to feel angry, but it's important to express it appropriately.

3. Treat their feelings with respect

Listen to their feelings without judgment, helping them feel understood.

4. Teach practical problem-solving skills

Guide them through identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and choosing the best one.

5. Encourage open communication

Create an environment where they feel safe to talk about their feelings and frustrations.

6. Allow appropriate expression of anger

Provide acceptable ways to express anger, like physical activities, creative outlets, or talking about their feelings.

How can a bedtime routine help with anger management in children?

A consistent bedtime routine can greatly help with anger management in children. It promotes better sleep, reducing irritability and enhancing emotional regulation. 

Calming activities like reading or listening to soft music lower stress and anxiety, while the predictability of the routine provides a sense of security. 

Incorporating relaxation techniques and spending quality time together strengthens the parent-child bond, making children feel more loved and understood, which can significantly reduce anger.

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