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Most children have occasional tantrums or meltdowns. These outbursts can be an expression of frustration or defiance, especially if they are told to do something they don’t want to do. But when these behaviors escalate, or your child begins to make threats there may be more going on. If your child gets angry frequently, has difficulty controlling their temper or is hard to calm you may be left wondering where to turn. You may feel compelled to give them what they want, later regretting these decisions. Parenting can be difficult, you aren’t alone. Therapy can help.

Covering up the Symptoms

It is not uncommon to rationalize “bad behavior”. You may start to rationalize your child’s anger by saying or believing that expressing anger is a good thing. Expressing one’s emotions is of course healthy. This anger can start becoming unhealthy when outbursts are baseless, excessive, frequent, and uncontrolled. Rather than allowing your child to think or believe that such outbursts are acceptable, avoid justification. Take note of behaviors you are concerned about and consider reaching out to a trained counselor.

Stoking Your Child’s Anger

It is difficult to manage our emotions. If your child is having difficulty managing their anger, you may also be feeling some frustration as well. If you feel frustrated it’s not unlikely that you will be pushed to angry outbursts as well. You may even find yourself using intimidating statements such as “Don’t you dare raise your voice on me!” or “You better stop now or else”. Showing parental dominance usually doesn’t work. Instead of helping your child manage their anger, you may just be adding more fuel to the fire.

Can Counseling Help with Anger?

Even the most behaved child can be angry at times and some children can be naturally stubborn. Anger in children is often caused by a frustrating situation which they feel helpless about. But there are also children whose anger can have deeper emotional causes. It can be important to look closely to find out what is at the root of your child’s anger. This can be difficult to do on your own, counseling can help.

A well-trained therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC can work with you and your child. Anger is a powerful emotion; however, it doesn’t have to control your lives. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Related Articles:

• Looking at a Child’s Anger: Could it be More?
• Child Anger: Can this be a sign of Depression?
• The Angry, Depressed Child: Taking a Second Look