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9 Tips-Teach Your 4-Year-Old How to Manage Anger Naturally

Anger is a natural emotion that can be caused by a variety of things, such as frustration, fear, or disappointment.

Everyone experiences anger at some point in their lives.

For kids, anger can sometimes be difficult to manage.

If your child tends to get angry easily or struggles with controlling their emotions, it's important to start teaching them how to deal with anger in a constructive manner.

Why Must Children Learn to Express Anger In a Healthy Way?

If kids bottle up their anger, it can sometimes lead to problems like headaches, stomach aches, or problems sleeping.

And, they may continue to have anger issues into adulthood. 

Anger management for kids can be a tricky thing to teach, but by helping children learn to release their anger in a safe, controlled environment parents can help them develop into well-rounded adults.

There are many different ways that kids in which children can learn to manage their anger naturally.

Here are 9 tips that can help your four-year-old learn how to manage anger naturally.

1. Foods That Can Help Children Manage Anger

Some foods can help children with anger management.

One food that can help is omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, tuna, and other fish, Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve mood and reduce impulsivity.

Another option is magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and bananas. Magnesium has been shown to help relieve stress and promote relaxation. 

Eggs, chicken, and turkey are other foods that can help children with anger management. They are a good source of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps to regulate mood.

Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, can also be helpful for children who are struggling with anger. They contain vitamin B6, which has been shown to help with managing stress.


2. Anger Releasing Sports for Kids

Playing sports is another way for kids to manage their anger. When kids are angry, they can often release the anger through physical activity.

Sports provide a healthy way for kids to expel energy and aggression. In addition, sports can help to teach kids important life skills like teamwork and discipline.

Some of the best sports for managing anger in kids include martial arts, boxing, and rugby. These sports can help kids learn how to physically release their anger in a healthy way. They can also help kids to learn essential life skills

Martial arts

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Martial Arts can be a great outlet for anger, allowing children to release their feelings in a safe and controlled environment.

Through martial arts, children can learn how to better control their emotions and channel their anger into positive energy.

They can also learn essential self-defence techniques that could come in handy if they ever find themselves in a difficult situation.

So if your child is struggling with anger, enrolling them in martial arts classes could be a great way to help them learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Judo

Judo is a martial art that can be helpful for managing anger. Judo teaches children how to use their opponent's energy against them, helping to calm and focus the mind.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is another martial art that can help manage anger. This sport helps children learn how to control their emotions and stay calm under pressure. It also teaches discipline and respect.

Boxing

Boxing is often known as an aggressive sport, however, it can be very beneficial for children, especially when it comes to anger management.

When children get angry, they often don't know how to express or release those feelings in a safe and healthy way.

That's where boxing can help. Boxing can provide a structured outlet for anger, helping kids to learn how to control their emotions and positively channel their energy.

In addition, boxing can teach children discipline and respect, both of which are important life skills.

So if your child is struggling with anger, consider signing them up for boxing classes. It could just be the outlet they need to help them stay calm and focused.

Karate

Another anger-releasing sport that can be helpful for kids is karate.

Like martial arts, karate teaches children how to control their emotions and focus on the task at hand. It also helps them learn how to defend themselves in difficult situations.

Rugby

Rugby is a physical and aggressive sport that can help children to release their anger in a healthy way.

This sport is perfect for kids who are naturally competitive and enjoy physical activity.

Rugby also teaches teamwork and discipline, which can be helpful in managing anger.

Swimming

Swimming is another great way for children to release their anger.

It's a very calming and relaxing activity that can help to soothe angry feelings.

In addition, swimming is a great form of exercise, which can help to improve mood and reduce stress.

Running

Running is also a great way for kids to burn off some of their anger.

It's an intense, physical activity that can help children to feel more in control of their emotions.

In addition, running is a healthy form of exercise that can improve mood and reduce stress.

3.Relaxation Techniques for Managing Anger in Kids.

There are a couple of different relaxation techniques that can help manage anger.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, starting with the toes and working up to the head.

As kids focus on the sensations in their bodies, they may find that their anger begins to dissipate.

This technique can take some practice, but with a little patience, it can be a helpful tool for managing anger in children.

Deep Breathing.

This involves inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, and exhaling for a count of four.

Deep breathing can help to relax the body and clear the mind.

When a child feels angry, their heart rate and blood pressure tend to rise. Deep breathing can help to lower both of those things, allowing the child to calm down and think more clearly.

4.Yoga for Managing Anger in Kids

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Yoga is a great way for kids to learn anger management skills. Through the practice of yoga, kids can learn how to control their breathing and focus their thoughts.

This can help them to stay calm in difficult situations.

In addition, yoga helps to improve flexibility and strength. This can be beneficial for kids who tend to get tense and angry easily.

By learning how to relax their bodies and clear their minds, kids can develop the ability to better manage their anger.

As a result, yoga can be a valuable tool for anger management in kids. Some of the most effective anger management yoga poses for kids include the following:

  • Child's Pose: This pose helps to relax the mind and body, and it can also be used as a calming breathing exercise.

  • Downward Dog: This pose helps to release anger and tension from the body.

  • Warrior 1: This pose helps to build strength and focus.

  • Half Camel: This pose helps to open up the chest and release tension in the back.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help children manage anger naturally by teaching them how to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings.

When children are mindful, they can better understand what is causing their anger and how to deal with it in a constructive way.

For instance, mindfulness can help children learn to recognize anger triggers and then take steps to avoid or diffuse them.

Mindfulness can also assist children in developing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anger, such as deep breathing or visualization.

By teaching mindfulness to children, we can help them learn how to manage their anger in a more natural and effective way.

Here is a helpful article to get you started-How to Teach Mindfulness to Kids: 26 Fun and Easy Ways to Get Started!

6. Essential Oils for Managing Anger in Kids

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Essential oils can also help manage anger in kids.

The best way to use essential oils for kids is to diffuse them into the air. This can help to create a calm and relaxing environment.

Here is a list of best Kid Safe essential oils for this purpose:

  • Lavender- is a calming oil that can help to soothe the mind and body. Diffuse a few drops at night to create a warm, calm atmosphere that is perfect for sleeping and relaxation.

  • Roman Chamomile- is also a calming oil that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The sweet, "green," herbaceous apple-like scent will have you drifting off into a deep slumber.

  • Geranium- is an uplifting oil that can help to encourage positive energy. The fresh, sweet, green, herbaceous scent of Geranium can give you a quick mood boost. It's KidSafe, so it can be enjoyed by the entire family.

  • Calming the Child Blend- with Mandarin Orange, Tangerine, Lavender, Roman Chamomile diluted in Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil. This blend is for calming your child’s mind, and gets them ready for a relaxing, peaceful night’s sleep.

  • Hello Morning Roll-On Blend- helps children start their morning with a happy, positive mood. it has calming properties that sooths emotions.

  • Happy Place Essential Oil Blendsoothing blend of essential oil that supports a calm environment and encourages feelings of well-being and tranquility. Perfect for diffuser.

  • Sweet Slumber Blend - dilute to add to carrier oil for a soothing back and chest rub or add to shampoo or bubble bath before bedtime to help calm and relax the body and mind in order to have a good night’s sleep.

Also Available in Adult Sizes

7. Music for Calming Anger in Kids

Music can also be a helpful tool for managing anger in kids.

Certain types of music can help to soothe the mind and body, while others can encourage feelings of anger and aggression.

It is important to find music that is calming and relaxing for your child.

Some good options for calming music include classical music, nature sounds, and relaxation tapes.

If your child responds better to more upbeat music, try choosing music with a positive message.

This can help to encourage feelings of happiness and joy, instead of anger.

8.Creating Calm Spaces for Self Regulation and Anger management

A tipi is children’s most favourite calming space. It helps them feel sheltered and safe.

When it comes to anger management for kids, creating calm spaces can be incredibly helpful.

When kids are feeling angry, they often need a safe place to go to calm down.

This could be a quiet corner of the room, a cosy spot in the house, or even outside in nature.

It's important that kids have access to these calm spaces at all times, so that they know there's always a place to go when they're feeling anger or stress.

Have a ‘calming basket’ filled with some favourite items that can help calm anger and relax their body.

For example, colouring books, stress ball, fidget toys, favourite books, favourite toy to cuddle with.

Once they're in their calm space, encourage them to take some deep breaths and focus on relaxing their body.

With practice, kids can learn to self regulate their anger and avoid outbursts.

Here is a helpful article 7 Reasons Why All Kids Need A Calming Corner And How To Create One


9. Taking a Break from Electronics for Anger Management

In this day and age, it can be tough to get kids to unplug from their electronics.

However, taking a break from electronics can be very beneficial for managing anger.

When kids are plugged in, they tend to have a harder time tuning out the noise and distractions around them.

This can lead to an increase in anger and frustration.

It's important to set aside time each day for kids to unplug from electronics.

This can be a time for them to relax and rejuvenate their mind and body.

If you can get your child to take a break from electronics, it can help them to relax and focus.

Some ideas for unplugging include going outside for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with friends and family.

10.Art Therapy for Managing Anger in Kids

Art therapy can also be a helpful tool for managing anger in kids.

When kids create art, they are able to express their emotions and feelings in a non-verbal way.

This can be a great way for kids to explore their anger and find ways to release it.

If you think that art therapy could be helpful for your child, it is important to find a therapist who specializes in working with kids.

Is it Time to Seek Professional Help?

If you feel like your child's anger is getting out of control, it might be time to seek professional help.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can be very helpful in managing anger.

CBT helps kids to identify the thoughts and emotions that lead to their anger. This can help kids to find better ways to deal with their anger.

If you think CBT could be helpful for your child, it is important to find a therapist who specializes in working with kids.


Conclusion

There are many different ways to deal with anger, and not all of them will work for every kid.

It is important to find what works best for your child and help them to learn how to use these strategies.

Managing anger in a healthy way can help kids to feel happier and more at peace.

Here is more information on How To Be A Supportive Parent When Your 4-Year-Old Has Anger Issues to understand why children get angry and for tips and strategies on how you could support your child during this phase.