Anger can indicate an underlying concern
Its entirely normal for kids to throw tantrums, especially before age 6.
Usually, frustration and distress are at the core of anger issues in kids.
Most kids grow out of tantrums between the ages of 4 and 6.
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If your child continues to have tantrums after that, it can be a sign of anger issues.
Children who routinely hurt themselves or others or destroy property should have a professional mental health evaluation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect your child has anger issues, you should contact their pediatrician.
If you have a school-age child, you should also talk to their teachers or school counselor.
A trainedchild psychiatristor child psychologist will examine your child.
The more information you have, the better equipped you are to help your child.
This involves treating the underlying issues.
This might include medication in some cases, such as for kids with OCD or ADHD.
Regardless of the root cause, behavioral changes for both the child and parents can help.
Quick Tips
Addressing anger issues in kids often isnt a quick fix.
Often, frustration and distress are the cause of anger issues.
These can be sparked by trauma, family dysfunction, or conditions like ADHD or OCD.
If you believe your child has anger issues, talk to your school counselor or pediatrician.
Request a psychological evaluation, which can help diagnose the underlying cause of your childs anger.
Then, create a treatment plan with your childs pediatrician, behavioral specialists, and therapists.
This may include therapy for both the child and the parents.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with anger issues in kids can be frightening.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to take your child for a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.
This can help tease out any underlying issues like ADHD or trauma.
After that, connect with a child and family therapist who has experience with anger issues in kids.
Yale Medicine.Anger, irritability, and agitation in kids.
Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.Disruptive disorders in children.
Child Mind Institute.Is my childs anger normal?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.
