How do I help my teen deal with anger?

Being a teenager isn’t easy, it is a time fraught with uncertainty, and mood swings are a common side effect. Teens aren’t as well equipped to deal with their emotions, feelings of stress and frustration can often result in them lashing out. There are lots of ways you can help your teen to channel their anger and prevent violent outbursts.

When your teen is able to comprehend how their anger gets out of control, they will be better equipped to handle their frustrations without suddenly bursting with anger.

Help your teen recognise the warning signs of their anger:

Becoming physically tense
Gritting teeth
Hands clenching, arms crossed
Voice getting louder or becoming very silent
Increased and rapid heart rate
Sweating, especially the palms
Verbally snapping at others when communicating
Pacing
Becoming sarcastic
Losing their sense of humour
Acting in an abusive way
Craving substances to relax them
Raising their voice, beginning to yell, scream, or cry.

Once your teen is able to recognise how they act when they are becoming angry, they will be better prepared to deal with it in a more positive way. You can help them by pointing out the warning signs you have observed when they get angry. Do this in a non-threatening way as otherwise; this will only serve to make them angrier.

Anger management techniques for your Teen

Even if your teen does everything necessary to prevent themselves from becoming too angry, there will still be angry outbursts occasionally.

Here are some techniques they can help to control anger:

Exercise. Physical activity will help your teen use up some of the energy of their built up anger and they will feel much better for doing so.

Relaxation techniques. Try teaching your teens to release their tension with some stress relief breathing. It may seem silly or hard to do at first but if used regularly, these techniques will become second nature.
Give your teen some space. Give your teen some time alone to think through the situation.