Short fuses in small packages: Anger management for teens

Teenager and anger have long been synonymous. The particular mix of hormones and the change in world view and the very real physical changes—both the body and situational changes like starting high school, making new friends, losing friends, etc.—can make a teen angry. Some teens, however, are angrier than others. If you notice that your teen is not just exhibiting normal teenage angst, but is escalating to intense anger and even violence, it might be time to look into anger management for teens. Here are some tips for parents that might be looking for ways to help a teenager dealing with anger issues:

Meet with a counselor that specializes in anger management for teens. Not only will a counselor be able to tell you whether your teen is simply exhibiting normal teen behavior or is actually developing a real anger problem, she will also be able to help your teen develop some strategies to deal with anger when she feels it boiling up.

Help her learn relaxation techniques. Anger and anxiety share some of the same characteristics, including the fact that they can crop up without warning and can both be doused by teaching a teen how to relax herself. Just as there are triggers that set off anger, there are triggers that can calm it. Whether it is chewing gum, snapping a rubber band on her wrist, taking ten deep breaths, or leaving the situation to go for a walk, teaching a healthy, non-violent, and non-reactionary way to deal with anger to your teen can help prevent serious problems.
Choose praise over criticism. One of the best things a parent can do to support anger management for teens is to learn to offer praise to a teen when she does something wrong, instead of relying just on criticism when she has done something wrong. Teenagers learn much better through positive reinforcement than they do through negative reinforcement.