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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.

More questions

Being a teenager isn’t easy, it is a time fraught with uncertainty, and mood swings are a common side effect.
Make sure that you talk to your child early about what you expect in his behaviour towards alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
If you suspect that your teen is using alcohol, tobacco or drugs, it’s vital that you take it seriously.
Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car crashes, suicides, violence, and drowning.

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